Ever wonder how energy drinks, soft drinks, or coffee give us such a great boost of energy? It's the power of one of our best friends (caffeine) that gets us going, but how does caffeine really work? If you've ever wondered this, then you're in luck - we're here to help you understand!
First, we need to explain why we all feel the need for caffeine...
It's in large part due to a neurotransmitter, called adenosine. Adenosine plays a pivotal role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. It's a natural byproduct of cellular activity, and as you exert more energy over the course of a day, more adenosine builds up in the brain throughout the day.
As adenosine levels rise, it binds to specific receptors, signaling to the body that it's time to wind down and rest. This process contributes to the feeling of fatigue and drowsiness, preparing us for a good night's sleep. As we sleep, however, these receptors are recycled, and levels are reduced.
So our brains have a daily cycle of accumulating adenosine (which leads to us feeling tired), sleeping (which reduces the adenosine levels), and waking up feeling alert.
However, if we aren't getting proper sleep each night, the adenosine levels will likely not reduce back to normal each day, leading to a constant build-up of tiredness.
Hence the need for caffeine!
When caffeine molecules enter the brain, they bind to the adenosine receptors and block them. So it doesn't necessarily get rid of the tiredness, it just blocks it for as long as the caffeine lasts in your body.
This is where it's crucial to get quality sources of caffeine so that you can maximize its effects and not be left with an energy crash a few hours after consumption. To learn more about why the quality of your caffeine matters, read our blog post, "Bridging the Gap: Decoding Energy Drinks and Unveiling the Clean Alternative."
Another important factor to consider is when to consume caffeine to optimize performance. We've covered this topic in our blog post, "Mastering Caffeine Timing."
Understanding the functions of our brains and bodies can help us optimize the use of food and supplements that we use to maximize our output! And here at Sol Energy, we're all about helping you on that journey to better understand the science behind all the health and wellness topics you care about!
So if you're feeling that adenosine buildup, don't be afraid to turn to quality sources of caffeine at optimal times to keep you doing what you love, with you you love. We recommend turning to Sol Energy Drinks. They contain the perfect blend of caffeine and other natural ingredients that will keep you going without the guilt or side effects that come with traditional energy drinks.