Effects of Caffeine on the Brain
Caffeine works chemically to enhance the energy levels in the brain. When studying the chemical structure of caffeine, it is the same as adenosine which is a chemical present in our body that leads to sleepiness. So as soon as we consume caffeine, it binds to the adenosine receptors in our brain that prevents the chemicals to bind with the brain receptors and ultimately keeps us awake without us being tired. Adenosine is a chemical in our brain which promotes sleep and results in reduced neuronal activity making us feel sleepy at the end of the day. Caffeine competes with adenosine and binds over the adenosine receptors and prevents any slow firing of neurons making you feel active and energetic. However, if you are regular caffeine consumers, then your brain starts developing adenosine receptors in excess which is why we need more caffeine to stay awake.
Caffeine also has different effects over our body where it enhances the adrenaline supply leading to increased heart rate, increased blood to the heart and other organs along with the patent airway. Caffeine also affects the dopamine supply within our brain. It prevents the reabsorption of dopamine into the blood due to which this happy chemical stays around our brain for longer making us feel happy. But this increased dopamine level in the body makes you addicted to caffeine so be aware of it. Caffeine makes you feel energetic, alert, improves mood, makes you feel more productive and increases brain excitability.