Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production) Your Brain on Caffeine: the REAL story
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Aug 15, 2025 Delve into the fascinating world of caffeine and its intricate dance with the brain! Discover how it enhances alertness by blocking adenosine receptors and affects cognitive function differently in individuals. The hosts unpack the effects of chronic use, tolerance, and sleep quality, shedding light on often overlooked nuances. Plus, tune in for a lively debate about headphone preferences and how they connect to auditory processing. Join the conversation for insights that blend science with personal experience!
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How Caffeine Makes You Feel Alert
- Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, preventing adenosine from making you sleepy.
- That yields a temporary alertness boost which reverses once caffeine is metabolized, often causing rebound sleepiness.
Genetics Drive Caffeine Variation
- Genetic differences in adenosine receptors and caffeine-metabolizing enzymes change individual responses.
- These variants alter stimulation, anxiety, and how long effects last.
Tolerance Explains Habitual Drinkers' Paradox
- Habitual caffeine use causes tolerance via upregulation of adenosine receptors.
- Tolerance means you need more caffeine for the same effect and may worsen crashes when it wears off.