Caffeine and the Brain

 

Caffeine blocks the brain’s adenosine processing, which increases the brain’s alertness. People who are very sensitive to caffeine may experience heart palpitations as the caffeine blocks the brain’s adenosine processing which not only increases alertness (interfering with sleep) but impacts heart rhythm regulation, as well. [Note: Caffeine taken after individuals have ingested alcohol does not sober them up or make them fit to drive. It may make them more alert temporarily, but it does not reverse the poor judgment and other effects associated with alcohol.] Much of caffeine found in beverages and chocolate is ingested recreationally—not medically prescribed. The FDA recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day per adult. Caffeine’s half-life is typically 5-6 hours. If you ingest 200 mg of caffeine at 2pm, 100 mg is still in your system at 7-8 pm. Oral contraceptives and pregnancy double its half-life. Caffeine’s half-life is also longer in children than in adults and may be up to 30 hours in a newborn.