By: Legacy Nutrition | February 27th, 2023
✅ Medically reviewed by: Matt Burkdull, MS, MBA, LMFT, MedFT

Everyone has a different morning routine to wake them up, whether it’s hopping in the shower, exercising, or loading up on caffeine. You may enjoy a cup of coffee at home or head to the nearest cafe for a sweet, caffeine-filled latte.

Maybe, however, you’ve begun to feel that caffeine doesn’t wake you up like it used to. If so, you’re not alone. Some people just aren’t as affected by caffeine, while others develop a tolerance over time. 

Caffeine & the Body

Caffeine is a stimulant. In fact, it’s one of the most used stimulants in the world. Consuming caffeine allows it to be absorbed into your bloodstream and delivered to the brain. Caffeine blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine which is the chemical that makes you tired and regulates sleep. By blocking adenosine, caffeine prevents the brain from communicating that it’s tired, making you feel more awake. During the day that’s okay, but consuming too much can impact your sleep at night. At night, caffeine can interfere with melatonin production: the chemical that helps you fall asleep.

Keep in mind that there’s a limit to the amount of caffeine you should consume every day. The recommended serving for the average adult is a daily intake of up to 400 mg. Consuming over 400 mg may lead to adverse effects like caffeine jitters, restlessness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, headaches, increased blood pressure, or even heart palpitations. Additionally, too much caffeine may lessen its effectiveness over time because it causes your body to produce extra adenosine receptors.

Factors Influencing Caffeine’s Effects

If caffeine doesn’t wake you up, there may be multiple reasons why. Possibly, you may have had too much caffeine too often. This causes your body to become tolerant to it, but there are various other factors that play a role in caffeine’s effects. Things like age, weight, genetics, and the liver can all influence how you react to caffeine. 

After caffeine interacts with adenosine, it heads to the liver to be metabolized. Since everyone’s metabolism is different because of genetics, caffeine may be metabolized faster or slower resulting in reduced or longer-lasting effects. If coffee doesn’t give you energy as it used to, learning how your body reacts to it helps you find the best method and amount for the desired effects. Although if you fall into the group that frequently has too much caffeine, it may be time for a break or a change.

Alternatives to Caffeine

You may be asking “If caffeine doesn’t work, what will?” Fortunately, there are many alternatives that are highly effective at boosting energy levels and cognitive function. Some remedies to replace your coffee if caffeine doesn’t wake you up anymore include, but are not limited to:

• Yerba mate
• Chai tea
• Matcha
• Ginseng
• Adaptogenic herbs

Maybe you’ve tried these alternatives and haven’t had any luck with them. Look no further. Give Amare Happy Juice Pack a try. With natural ingredients and essential nutrients, this combination provides you with an energy boost from the natural caffeine found in ingredients like matcha and guayusa leaves. Ditch your coffee or energy drinks for a healthier, more effective solution that benefits your mind and body.