Episode 28
The 411 on Caffeine and Fatigue With Danielle Rath
On this episode Ted and Barb welcome a caffeine scientist, best-selling author and speaker, Danielle Rath. Danielle Robertson Rath, better known as “the GreenEyedGuide” serves the sleep deprived and overwhelmed. After earning degrees in biochemistry and food science, she worked in a Food, Beverage and Supplement industry for over a decade.
As the founder of GEG Research & Consulting, she is the author of two books and the leading expert in the science behind caffeine, energy drinks and beating burnout in the workplace. GreenEyedGuide has helped shift workers, nurses, college students and small business owners beat burnout with caffeine science.
What does caffeine have to do with safety? According to Danielle, a great deal. Seven hours of sleep is sufficient for safe work performance, but for every hour less of sleep, your injury risk increases by 10%. People struggling with staying alert and focused in their jobs typically rely on caffeine. Where you get your caffeine or energy drinks, how much, how fast, how often - these tiny details make a huge difference in your physical and mental health.
Caffeine is the #1 coping mechanism for sleep deprivation and for stress, but it can also make burnout worse. More caffeine does not always equal more alert. Danielle’s 5 Levels of Fatigue system covers the intersection of caffeine, mental health and safety. For every level of fatigue, there is a different degree of rest or sleep deprivation. At the certain point, there is no amount of caffeine that can save you; you have to rest.
Resources:
https://www.healthandsafetynow.com
Danielle Rath’s website
Danielle Rath on LinkedIn
