CHSU Discovery

Abstract: 
Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Not only does caffeine improve mood and relief from headaches, but also it is linked to reduction of risk strokes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. Conversely, its prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and chemical alterations in the brain. Caffeine intoxication and withdrawal are known but notably, caffeine addiction is not recognized in the DSM-5. Caffeine overdose have been documented and includes symptoms ranging from restlessness and tremors to death. 

This poster review ventures into the intricate interplay between caffeine consumption and neurological function including its role in sleep, stress, meditation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Beginning with exploring the brain's adenosine functions and the mechanism of action, this study critically examines how caffeine impacts the nervous system. The discussion unfolds by elucidating the relationship between sleep and memory consolidation, detailing the stages of sleep and their significance for cognitive processes. Following this, the analysis explores the effects of caffeine consumption on sleep architecture, highlighting its potential to disrupt sleep patterns and obstruct memory consolidation. Further, the study examines the long-term consequences of excessive caffeine consumption on sleep quality and its implications for neurological health. Subsequently, the analysis examines the impact of caffeine on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress response, and the intricate relationship between caffeine consumption and stress-induced sleep disruptions. Next, the review considers the interplay of caffeine and meditation on the nervous system. While meditation promotes relaxation and physiological calmness, caffeine exerts its effects through central nervous system stimulation, raising questions about the compatibility of caffeine consumption with meditation practices. Likewise, the review critically investigates the neuroprotective effects of caffeine, particularly its prospective role in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Acknowledging the promising findings, the authors raise critical questions about the tangible achievement of such studies.

In conclusion, this review underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the effects of caffeine on neurological function, considering its potential benefits alongside its adverse impacts on sleep, stress response, and cognitive function. It calls for a supplementary examination of caffeine's exact role in sleep duration and quality based on its immediate daily effect and lifelong chronic use.