What's That Caffeine Actually Doing?

Are you a slave to caffeine? Do you find yourself going for that extra cup or two in the afternoon?

Contrary to what most people believe, that cup (or 2…or 3) of coffee you drink each day isn’t ACTUALLY giving you energy.

This is how caffeine actually works. Caffeine has an effect on the brain in which it blocks your brain’s receptors from noticing you’re tired.

As soon as you wake up in the morning, adenosine starts building in your bloodstream.

Adenosine interacts with certain cell receptors which causes drowsiness. As you’re awake longer throughout the day, it builds and builds until eventually you go to sleep and then it dissipates.

Caffeine is an adenosine blocker, so it blocks the sensations of drowsiness. 

The problem here is if you’re over consuming caffeine.

It’s easy to see how a normal sleep/wake cycle of adenosine build up and dissipation can be disrupted by caffeine consumption.

While we aren't saying to get rid of coffee (it's delicous and has some of its own health benefits!), aim to stay under 400mg of caffeine per day, and if you feel yourself constantly reaching for more coffee to help you wake up, it might be time to look at sleep hygiene!

Some quick tips on sleep hygiene: no electronics 1 hour prior to bed, creating a dark and cool sleep environment, and viewing sunlight in the morning!

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