Caffeine Cycling. What, Why and How?

Whenever I am asked “how are you?”, I first of all make the social faux pas of treating it like a question & answering it. 

I am supposed to just say “fine, how are you?” in response, I know 🤷‍♂️ 

Next, I report whether I am caffeinated or not, and if yes, that it is a good day 🌞  

Often, that prompts the other person, if they are not regretting the question too much, to ask why I have not had caffeine. I tell them I am caffeine cycling. They offer a blank look. Whilst mindful of the risk of mansplaining I ask if they know what that is. They usually do not, and so . . . 

How does caffeine work?

Caffeine largely works by binding to adenosine receptors on cells in the brain that normally get bound to adenosine, which is a byproduct of energy metabolism. As adenosine accumulates on these receptors throughout the day, we feel more tired & fatigued. By blocking out the adenosine, caffeine reduces this & promotes alertness.

However, the brain quickly upregulates adenosine receptors to compensate, meaning more receptors, meaning that more caffeine is needed for the same effect.

What is caffeine cycling?

Caffeine cycling is simply strategically reducing or stopping caffeine intake so that the receptor upregulation is reversed, resetting to baseline or close to it.

Why would you do it?

✅ Avoid developing dependence

✅ Reduce or eliminate an existing dependence

✅ Regain the strong boost enjoyed from smaller doses

How do you do it?

There is no single best method. The best for you is probably just what works best within your lifestyle. Options include:

Every other day

Weekdays on, weekends off

4 weeks on, 2 weeks off

The longer you stay ‘on’, the rougher the downcycling will be. Oof, get ready! Personally, I do something like every other day, and for me that preserves every dose of caffeine, through coffee, as if it were my first.

What a rush! 😁

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