Dawa Sherpa Biology 1010 Caffeine and the Brain It makes you alert!

It reduces fatigue and keeps you awake. These are what most people consider to be true about Caffeine, but is that all it does? Caffeine is a bitter, while crystalline xanthine alkaloid that is psychoactive stimulant drug. Every drug has some benefits but they also have side effects and misusing them can be dangerous. If caffeine is considered a drug, can we really consume it without expecting some harmful effects? Our brain fires neurons when were awake, as they fire, they produce Adenosine. Adenosine is a compound, a portion of Adenosine Diphosphate and Adenosine Triphosphate that is composed of the sugar ribose and the base adenine. When awake, the adenosine level in the brain rises each hour keeping us awake but, after it reaches a certain point, it induces sleep. Several parts of the brain are involved in sleep such as the Medulla, Pons, Midbrain, Thalamus and the Cortex. Caffeine, a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant can be found in chocolate, tea leaves coffee beans, carbonated beverages and over the counter medications. A typical cup of coffee can contain anywhere from 40 to over 100 milligrams of Caffeine. Depending on the type, a cup of tea can contain anywhere between 20 to 60 milligrams and finally soft drinks can have anywhere from 30 to over 60 milligrams of caffeine. Central Nervous System stimulants are agents that increase physical activity, mental alertness and attention span. Besides Caffeine, drugs such as Desoxyn, Nuvigil, Concerta, and Cocaine are also some CNS stimulants but unlike caffeine which can be easily accessed and are popular, these drugs either need to be prescribed by a Doctor or are socially unaccepted. Caffeine stimulates the CNS by blocking adenosine; this blockage causes the adrenal glands to release the adrenaline hormone. Caffeine also increases dopamine which activates the pleasure center of the brain. In conclusion, caffeine makes us feel alert, gives us a burst of energy and makes us feel good. But, despite these positive effects, consuming caffeine has its risks. Stimulating the CNS can have adverse effects such as producing restlessness, insomnia and headaches. It can also cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rise. Studies have also shown that caffeine consumption can contribute to incontinence of the bladder, Urinary Tract Infection and increased urine ketones in urine Drinking large quantity of caffeine prevents a person from being able to sleep and even if they are able to, they may not be able to gain all the benefits of deep sleep. Moderate coffee drinking doesnt seem to be harmful and studies have shown that it has some benefits such as reducing your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, keeping your brain healthier longer, making you alert, reducing stress but like with any other drug, a very high consumption can have risks. The hippocampus belongs to the limbic system and can be found in both hemisphere of the brain. It is involved in short-term memory and long-term memory while playing an important role in forming, organizing and storing memories. I believe Segal and Korkotian chose the hippocampus for their study of the effects of caffeine because they wanted to learn how consuming caffeine affects learning and memory.

Works Cited

"Adenosine - What Is Adenosine?" Adenosine - What Is Adenosine? N.p., n.d. Web. "Caffeine." University Health Service, University of Michigan. N.p., n.d. Web. "CNS Stimulants." Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. "The Effects of Caffeine on the Bladder." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. Jacques, Renee. "11 Reasons Why You Should Drink Coffee Every Day." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Oct. 2013. Web. "Over Caffeinated." Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. "Sleep and Dreaming: Scientific Advances and Reconsiderations." Google Books. N.p., n.d. Web. "What Is Caffeine?" What Is Caffeine? N.p., n.d. Web.