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Adenosine is a crucial chemical that accumulates in the brain and body during wakefulness, influencing the drive for sleep. When awake for extended periods, adenosine levels increase, leading to heightened sleepiness. Caffeine serves as an adenosine antagonist, blocking receptors that normally signal sleepiness, leading to increased alertness but resulting in a noticeable crash when its effects wear off. Understanding adenosine's role can help people manage their sleep better by recognizing how wakefulness and caffeine intake interact with their need for rest.