The Effects of Caffeine

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how caffeine increases stimulation of the central nervous system. The paper relates how, if taken in low doses, caffeine is an effective stimulant that can enhance the cognitive functions of memory and attention. The paper points out, however, that a high dosage of caffeine can have undesirable effects such as restlessness, irritability and anxiety.

From the Paper:

"Although caffeine can be found naturally in many foods, it can also be found in some non-prescription drugs, such as sleep suppressants, to fight drowsiness (Josephy, 1997; Westen, Burton, & Kowalski, 2006). Caffeine is used as an ingredient in these drugs because of its ability to increase the activity of neurons and other cells by stimulating the central nervous system (Goodenough, Wallace, & McGuire, 1998; Harte et al., 1991). However, caffeine does not act by altering the communication between neurons. Instead, it acts by speeding up the metabolic rate of all cells. This increase in cellular metabolism occurs from the increased production of glucose due to caffeine (Goodenough et al.). Further to this, caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, leading to an increased stimulation of the central nervous system (Smit & Rogers, 2000)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carlson, W.R. (1994). Physiology of behaviour (5th ed.). USA: Paramount Publishing.
• Goodenough, J., Wallace, R., & McGuire, B. (1998). Human biology: Personal, environmental and social concerns. Florida, USA: Harcourt Brace & Co.
• Harte, J., Holden, C., Schneider, R., & Shirley, C. (1991). Toxics A to Z: A guide to everyday pollution hazards. California, USA: University of California Press.
• Josephy, P. (1997). Molecular toxicology. New York, USA. Oxford University Press.
• Passer, M.W., & Smith, R.E. (2004). Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

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