Coffee, prized for its health benefits and popularity, was recently subjected to an analysis that revealed an unexpected and potentially harmful side to its effects .
This information was reported by PsyPost, reports URA-Inform.
A new study has shown that caffeine can increase the negative effects of chronic sleep deprivation on the gray matter of the brain. Participants who consumed caffeine while sleep deprived had a significant decrease in gray matter volume compared to those who avoided caffeine.
Research Methods
The experiment divided participants into two groups: one provided with caffeinated coffee, the other with decaffeinated coffee. Over nine days, including periods of chronic sleep deprivation, the researchers measured changes in gray matter volume using MRI and PET scans. They found that prolonged sleep restriction causes significant changes in gray matter volume, which is also influenced by caffeine consumption.
Results of the study
Those who did not consume caffeine while sleep deprived showed an increase in gray matter volume in some areas of the brain, indicating a possible compensatory response by the body. Differences in the presence of adenosine receptors also played a role: lower levels of receptors were associated with greater reductions in gray matter volume.
Conclusions and perspectives
The study showed complex the relationship between sleep, caffeine and brain structure. Caffeine may interfere with brain plasticity processes activated by lack of sleep. However, the study has limitations, such as the small sample size and the participants' specific genetic profiles related to caffeine metabolism. In the future, scientists plan to use PET scans with specific markers to better understand the mechanisms of gray matter changes. However, it is already obvious that coffee has negative aspects that require attention in further research.
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