How does caffeine make you more alert and work as a cognitive enhancer if it reduces blood flow to the brain?

Question

I’ve just read that a 250mg dose of caffeine can reduce blood flow to the brain by 22%-30%.

It seems counter intuitive to me that a chemical that restricts blood flow to the organ responsible for all mental operations actually improves our mental functioning.

There’s probably a simple answer but 22-30% seems like it would significantly impair the brain’s functioning

In: 129

Answer 1

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that works by blocking adenosine receptors, a neurotransmitter associated with sleep. While it may temporarily reduce cerebral blood flow, caffeine enhances alertness by increasing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, promoting wakefulness and cognitive function.