1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (C₈H₁₀N₄O₂), or more commonly known as Caffeine, is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine family.

Caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors in the brain but it does not slow down the cell’s activity as adenosine would. Thus it causes the blood brain’s blood vessels to constrict as it blocks adenosine’s ability to open them up. This is why caffeine provides relief of vascular headaches.

With caffeine blocking the adenosine, you have increased neuron firing in the brain which causes the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. Caffeine also increases dopamine levels in the same way that amphetamines do, that, in certain parts of the brain, activates the pleasure centre.

The half-life of caffeine in your body is about six hours. That means a small cap-double at 3pm containing 400 mg of caffeine will leave about 100mg of caffeine in your system at 3 am. You may be able to fall asleep, but your body probably will miss out on the benefits of deep sleep. That deficit adds up fast. The next day you feel worse, so you need caffeine as soon as you get out of bed. The cycle continues day after day.

Failed to stay caffeine free today although there was no Spinelli readily avaiable. Found some Aik Cheong coffee bags at home which I brewed and disguised the bad taste with some honey that was given. Not that bad a mixture.

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