Your alarm awakens you, and it’s time to start your day. You walk to the kitchen and make a pot of coffee, waiting to consume every drop. Once it’s ready, you make your cup to-go and head out the door to tackle another day.
For millions of Americans, the above scenario is quite familiar. Whether you frequent your local coffee shop every morning or brew your favorite roast at home, consuming coffee, or any other form of caffeine, has become a normal part of our everyday lives. But have you ever had a caffeinated beverage and felt more tired than before? If so, you’re in good company.
The reality is caffeine affects people differently. Some can drink a single cup of coffee and feel energized all day. But others can drink caffeine at any hour, day or night, without feeling its effects. Keep reading to learn why this is true and find tips to stay energized without caffeine.
Why Doesn’t Caffeine Affect Me?
As the afternoon rolls around, many experience an energy slump that leaves them eagerly searching for a quick pick-me-up. For some, a shot of espresso will provide the needed boost, but others may feel little or no effect. There are three main reasons for this: your genetics, a high caffeine tolerance and being overly fatigued. Let’s take a closer look at each.
The Coffee Gene
Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that plays a big role in regulating how tired we feel. As the day goes on, our brain produces more adenosine, which promotes drowsiness and ultimately leads to sleep.
We each have a unique number of adenosine receptors in our bodies. These receptors operate like tiny docking stations that allow adenosine to attach to them. The role of caffeine is to block adenosine from attaching to its receptors, which prevents you from feeling tired. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Why doesn’t caffeine work on me?” it could be because your body has more adenosine receptors.
But the biggest factor in determining your sensitivity to caffeine is a gene called CYP1A2, which is sometimes called the coffee gene. This gene instructs your liver to create an enzyme called cytochrome P450 1A2, the primary enzyme responsible for metabolizing caffeine.
The gene variation you get from birth determines how quickly your body metabolizes caffeine. If you metabolize caffeine quickly, it won’t stay in your system long enough to have the desired effect, making you feel like you’re immune to caffeine. This genetic difference in metabolism is one of the main reasons it affects people differently.
Quantity Over Quality: High Caffeine Tolerance
If you’re an avid coffee drinker or consume caffeine regularly, you may find yourself sipping your favorite caffeinated beverage but not feeling its usual effect. This is because, over time, your body builds up a tolerance to caffeine. With a higher tolerance, your brain senses that adenosine isn’t doing its job, and it responds by creating more adenosine receptors to restore balance.
When this happens, your body needs more caffeine than usual to get the same effect. This increase in receptors makes it harder for caffeine to block them all, which means you need more caffeine to feel the same effect — this is how caffeine tolerance builds. Your usual morning cup of Joe may not do the job anymore — you may need a second or third cup to feel energized throughout the day.
Overly Fatigued Individuals
Some people feel even more tired after consuming caffeine. This is common for people who are sleep-deprived. When your body is already physically exhausted, it likely doesn’t have the energy reserves needed to respond to caffeine’s stimulating effects. What your body really needs is adequate sleep — not just stimulation.
Because you’re overly fatigued, you have a buildup of adenosine in your system. So when you grab a cup of coffee to try and wake yourself up, there may not be enough caffeine to block all of the adenosine from attaching to its receptors. Once the caffeine wears off, you’re left with that excess adenosine, which can lead to a “crash” afterward, similar to those with a high tolerance.
Caffeine’s Effect on Your Heart
We know how convenient — and delicious — caffeine can be when you need an extra boost to start or restart your day. But the reality is, caffeine affects the heart. According to the National Library of Medicine, moderate caffeine consumption for most healthy adults is OK. But it’s important to know that some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine. For them, caffeine may temporarily raise their blood pressure and might trigger heart palpitations. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider to find out if caffeine is safe for you.
Caffeine-Free Tips for Staying Awake
While caffeine can be effective at giving you an energy boost, it may not sustain you throughout the day. But the good news is we have several tips for helping you stay awake without relying on caffeine. We recommend:
- Aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep
- Drinking plenty of water to remain hydrated
- Eating three substantial meals a day to fuel your body
- Exercising regularly
- Getting in the sun to improve your circadian rhythm
If you’re consistently feeling tired regardless of your efforts, it may be time to visit your primary care provider to get the help you deserve.
Delivering the Care You Deserve and the Expertise You Need
If you’re worried about caffeine’s effect on your heart health or are experiencing concerning symptoms, our heart experts are here to provide the compassionate care you need. Visit us here to learn more about our cardiology services or schedule an appointment.
