Insomnia. Since caffeine can remain in your system for several hours, drinking super-caffeinated beverages later in the day may contribute to insomnia. That's because caffeine can alter your circadian clock (a process responsible for sleep-wake timing), making it harder to fall asleep at your normal time, according to a 2015 study from the University of Colorado. Caffeine also blocks your receptors for adenosine, a neurotransmitter that sends fatigue signals to your body.

Poor food choices. A 2015 University of Texas study found that energy drink users were more likely to make poor dietary choices, such as lower intake of fruits and vegetables, skipping breakfast and consuming higher amounts of sodas and frozen meals.

Risky behavior. A perilous trend among the young is to mix energy drinks with alcohol. The stimulatory effects of an energy drink can counteract the sedation normally brought on by alcohol, which can result in more drinking and risky behavior. And, a 2015 study discovered that the instances of brain injury during sports were higher among adolescents who consumed energy drinks.

Sugar blues. These drinks often come laced with sugar -- another vehicle for a short-term energy boost. "The elevated blood sugar can lead to increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease," says Baliga.

Dental problems. The high acidity levels in energy drinks can erode tooth enamel.

Caffeine naive

If you're not a regular caffeine user, you're what researchers call "caffeine naïve," and you could be even more susceptible to side effects. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that healthy adults who normally consumed little if any caffeine (no more than 160 mg daily) experienced a significantly greater rise in blood pressure in response to drinking an energy drink than those who normally consume higher amounts (more than 160 mg daily). Baliga notes that the degree of caffeine sensitivity among individuals can be highly variable; some people never develop a tolerance to caffeine.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)