Ever wondered Why coffee keeps one awake?
This happens due to the caffeine contained in coffee.
Caffeine can keep one alert and awake. I’m sure you must be wondering how possible it is for caffeine to keep one awake. Actually Researchers at Harvard Medical School report that caffeine blocks adenosine (the body's natural sleep-inducing agent...) which have been confirmed true after series of experiments. Caffeine stays in the human system anywhere between four and seven hours. In addition, it breaks ones sleep, so that you wake up more often during the night.
Caffeine and the Brain.
Firstly, why do we get drowsy in the first place?.
Throughout the course of a day, we find ourselves busy carrying out different kinds of activities. Some of which are more physical in nature, whereas others are mentally demanding. Whether physical or mental, the brain has to ensure that you’re up and running, and therefore, has the responsibility for coordinating the functions, cognition and actions of all the body organs.
While doing this, the neurons in the brain produce very little amounts of adenosine. Because the production of adenosine is very gradual, a person feels drowsy over a long period of time. It’s not as though you suddenly feel drowsy, drowsiness is something that creeps up on you very slowly, sneakily drawing you into slumber.
Functions of Adenosine.
Why does adenosine result in gradual drowsiness in the body?
Adenosine molecules become bound to the neural receptors of the brain, which are in charge of receiving signals from all over the body and staying sharp. However, when adenosine molecules bind to these receptors, their activities slow down and eventually… zzzzz…. you’re already drowsy
You must be wondering what all of these have to do with caffeine. Just a minute we're getting there winks.
Caffeine and Adenosine.
Caffeine enters this picture when one takes coffee, tea, or some other caffeine-fueled beverage. Caffeine is a very smart substance, as it binds to the adenosine receptors in the brain, essentially blocking the molecules that cause slowing down brain activity.
This is very similar to the idea of ‘two negatives make a positive.’ Adenosine slows the activities of the brain, but caffeine binds to adenosine molecules and slows down their activity. This is why the activities of brain go unchecked and you are able to fend off feelings of drowsiness
Not only does caffeine keeps adenosine in check, but it also causes the production of more adrenaline and increases the heart rate, effectively keeping you all pumped up.
Coffee is truly a great thing to drink if you’re feeling your eyelids start to droop.