When it comes to waking up, most of us rely on a cup of coffee to give us the boost we need.
But you don’t actually get any extra energy from flat white, americano or latte, but according to one expert, you borrow it.
Dr. Emma Beckett, a molecular nutritionist from Newcastle University, said that this “loan” to feel awake must eventually be repaid with sleep.
She explained that caffeine counteracts drowsiness by temporarily blocking a chemical called adenosine.
This chemical is part of the system that regulates our sleep and wake cycles, with levels increasing throughout the day as it is released as a byproduct as energy is used by our cells.
Caffeine prevents drowsiness by temporarily blocking a chemical called adenosine, Dr. Emma Beckett, a molecular nutritionist from Newcastle University, at The Conversation website.
Eventually, adenosine binds to its receptor – part of the cells that receives signals – which tells the cells to slow down, making us feel drowsy and drowsy.
Caffeine can help us wake up by binding to the adenosine receptor and preventing the chemical from causing the feeling of drowsiness.
Read more: Why you should drink coffee with milk, according to scientists
“But there is a catch,” said dr. Beckett at The Conversation’s website. Although it feels energizing, this little caffeine intervention is more of a wake-up call than a re-energizer.
“That’s because the caffeine won’t bind forever and the adenosine that blocks it won’t go away.”
“So eventually the caffeine breaks down, the receptors are released, and all the adenosine that’s been waiting and building up is left behind and the drowsy feeling comes back—sometimes all at once.”
“So the debt you owe to caffeine always has to be repaid at some point, and the only real way to repay it is with sleep.”
Dr Beckett explained that adenosine levels drop during sleep because we use less energy, meaning we wake up rested in the morning.
Drinking coffee later in the day, when there is more adenosine in the body, can feel stronger than a morning cup, she said.
And if you like coffee with sugar, it can contribute to that ultimate “crash” feeling after a spike in blood sugar, she added.
“Caffeine can be helpful, but it’s not magic,” said Dr. beckett “To generate energy and re-energize our bodies, we need adequate food, water and sleep.”
The caffeine in tea, energy drinks and other beverages is thought to affect the body in a similar way, she wrote.
A recent study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day can be linked to a longer life.
Researchers found that two to three cups a day was associated with up to a 27 percent lower risk of death compared to those who didn’t drink at all.
The findings, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, were applied to ground, instant and decaffeinated varieties, with researchers saying that coffee consumption should be considered part of a healthy lifestyle.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
