Does Caffeine Make You More Alert?

Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the entire world. Most people get it through drinking coffee or black tea. After all, who doesn't love starting their morning with a warm brew to help perk themselves up before heading out to tackle the day? People usually drink caffeinated drinks to boost their energy levels and feel more awake. But does caffeine make you more alert and can it help you stay sharp and focused on the job? Here's how caffeine works.

How Does Caffeine Work?

Whether you're drinking a cup of joe, sipping a cup of tea, or knocking back an energy drink, caffeine works the same way. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a compound that sends signals to the brain to tell it to feel tired. Caffeine tolerance builds up quickly so caffeine users may find themselves needed to consume more and more to get the same feelings of alertness.

Does Caffeine Make You More Alert?

Those who use caffeine report feeling more awake and focused after drinking their caffeinated beverage of choice. However, one study showed that there's no statistically significant difference between caffeine users and non-caffeine users on various tests. Caffeine does help to improve motor skills in both regular users and those who don't drink caffeinated beverages regularly, but that's about it.

So what's the takeaway? Caffeine can help improve certain aspects of physical performance but there's no evidence to suggest it improves mental performance. While enjoying a cup of coffee or drinking an energy drink may help you feel more alert and focused, in reality, all it's doing is blocking adenosine receptors in the brain which tell it to feel tired.