Maybe you’ve been drinking caffeine for so long, you don’t remember how you felt without it. We totally understand, in today's fast-paced world, caffeine has become a trusted companion for many seeking a quick energy boost.
But did you know that while caffeine can provide a temporary surge in alertness, giving you that quick pick me up, if you’re drinking it consistently and drinking too much...it can actually start to have the opposite effect.
That’s right, if you’re a consistent caffeine drinker, the chances are it’s not even doing its job of giving you a boost in energy! Why? Other than your increased tolerance to the stimulant effect, caffeine also has an impact on your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Daily Caffeine Stops Your Ability to Wind Down
Adenosine, a neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role within your body in promoting relaxation and sleepiness. As the day progresses, adenosine levels gradually rise, signalling to your body that it's time to wind down and get ready to rest. However, caffeine interferes with this process. It blocks your adenosine receptors, essentially stopping the calming effects that adenosine imparts.
The Cycle of Dependence
With regular caffeine intake, adenosine receptors become less responsive over time. This means that the natural calming effect of adenosine diminishes, leading to a reliance on caffeine to stay alert. The initial energy boost from caffeine becomes shorter-lived, and you may find yourself reaching for more to maintain a basic level of alertness and energy.
The Result? Increased Fatigue and Drowsiness
As the stimulating effects of caffeine wear off, the absence of adenosine's calming influence can lead to increased feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. This can create a cycle of dependency, where you feel the urge to consume more caffeine simply to counteract the tiredness caused by its withdrawal.
Find Your Balance Between Caffeine and Sleep
Don’t worry, we aren’t going to tell you that you need to STOP consuming caffeine. But if you want it to be working it’s best for you, then you need to take accountability for your caffeine choices.
This begins with a mindful approach to caffeine consumption. But don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve put together a free caffeine guide that gives you simple and effective tools, tips and tricks to help you make better caffeine choices.
