"Why do so many people consume so much caffeine? Why does caffeine wake you up?
In short, it's all about... brain chemistry.
As adenosine is created in the brain, it binds to adenosine receptors.
This binding causes drowsiness by slowing down nerve cell activity.
To a nerve cell, caffeine looks like adenosine: Caffeine binds to the adenosine receptor.
However, caffeine doesn't slow down the cell's activity like adenosine would
Instead of slowing down because of the adenosine's effect, the nerve cells speed up.
Caffeine's effect on the brain causes increased neuron firing."
Caffeine and Dopamine - Health Benefits of Caffeine | HowStuffWorks
"Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates pleasure centers in certain parts of the brain.
Caffeine increases dopamine levels..."
You can see why your body might like caffeine in the short term, especially if you are low on sleep and need to remain active.
Caffeine and Dopamine - Health Benefits of Caffeine | HowStuffWorks
"Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates pleasure centers in certain parts of the brain.
Caffeine increases dopamine levels..."
You can see why your body might like caffeine in the short term, especially if you are low on sleep and need to remain active.
- Caffeine blocks adenosine reception so you feel alert.
- It injects adrenaline into the system to give you a boost.
- And it manipulates dopamine production to make you feel good.
How Sleep Works | HowStuffWorks
How Does Caffeine Work? | Mental Floss
"Caffeine may give you that much-needed morning boost, but it can also make you crash—hard...
So when the caffeine wears off... It leaves you feeling even groggier than you felt before."
What Caffeine Really Does to Your Brain
Caffeine: All You Need To Know
The Next Wave: Predicting the future of coffee in New York City
