Caffeine's Effects on Cognitive Functions (Essay Sample)

Effects of caffeine on cognitive functions.
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Effects of caffeine on cognitive functions.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the release of dopamine in the brain (Hisham et al., 2019). It has no additional nutritional value, and it produces tolerance with repeated use. Because caffeine is legal in most parts of the world, an understanding of its effects is needful.
Caffeine causes an increment in alertness. It heightens selective concentration and maintains it for more extended periods by creating adenosine receptor blockade, which is responsible for causing fatigue. However, in elevated doses, caffeine can cause caffeine-induced anxiety disorder which would result in under-performance by causing tension and restlessness. In persons more sensitive to caffeine, the anxiety disorder can occur at lower doses.
Caffeine also causes insomnia. Its ability to postpone and reduce the duration of sleep makes it valuable for people who need to work for long hours. The human body cells perform a lot of restoration and healing during sleep. So lack of sleep could lead to headaches, sluggard activity, daytime lethargy, and headaches.
In the gastrointestinal system, caffeine stimulates peristalsis. The stimulation leads to increased bowel movements that could result in diarrhea. Effect of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter increases the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux with the intake of caffeine. Nausea and vomiting can also result from large amounts of caffeine.
Excessive intake of caffeine can also lead to muscle injury and consequent breakdown. Release of the muscle fibers into the bloodstream poses a danger to the kidney and can lead to kidney failure. Renal failure makes the kidneys unable to filter toxins in the blood. Breakdown of muscles also leads to muscle aches. Caffeine in large amounts also inhibits the absorption and metabolism of calcium in the bones that can lead to osteoporosis, especially in the elderly.
Since caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and leads to increased production of adrenaline, the hormone for fight and flight, it could lead to increased blood pressure. The effect is however temporary and more pronounced in individuals who do not take caffeine habitually, and before physical exertion. Constant increases in blood pressure could increase the risk of getting thromboembolic diseases, and damage to the small blood vessels.
In persons with a pre-existing cardiac abnormality, ingestion of caffeine can lead to increased pulse rate. The change of the heartbeat to a faster one could result in tachycardia, and in very high doses, atrial fibrillation. The effect is variable among people.
High levels of caffeine consumption can lead to delayed conception hence secondary infertility. During pregnancy, studies in animals have shown caffeine to increase the chances of premature labor, pre-term delivery, congenital anomalies, and small for gestation babies. Caffeine crosses the placenta to cause insomnia, irritability, and poor development in the fetus.
Caffeine is a diuretic, leading to increased frequency and urgency in urination. It stimulates bladder muscles, making them overactive. Prolonged use of caffeine increases bladder instability and exacerbates bladder problems. Urinary incontinence is more in women