If you’ve ever wondered why you feel wired but tired, struggle to fall asleep, or crash hard when you skip your morning coffee, say hello to adenosine. It’s the unsung hero behind your sleep-wake cycles.

What is Adenosine, Exactly? 

Adenosine is a chemical that builds up in your brain the longer you’re awake. Think of it as your brain’s hourglass; it tracks how long you’ve been up and increases your sleep pressure the more time passes. 

When adenosine binds to receptors in your brain, it signals: “Hey... you’re tired. Go to bed.”

The more sensitive you are to it, the faster that sleepy feeling kicks in. Sleep-deprived? Chronically caffeinated? Congrats, you’re probably extra sensitive.

The Caffeine Trap 

Caffeine doesn’t erase adenosine, it just blocks the signal. It slips into your adenosine receptors and says, “No messages today, thanks.” That’s how you stay alert even when your brain is begging for rest.

The catch? Over time, your brain goes, “Hmm, not getting the message. I’d better build more receptors.”

That’s how tolerance forms. More coffee to stay awake. Bigger crashes when you don’t get it. A vicious cycle powered by blocked sleep signals.

Why Timing is Everything 

Having caffeine too early in the day blocks adenosine before your body’s even built up sleep pressure. Too late? You’ll be tossing and turning at bedtime, wondering why your brain won’t shut off. The sweet spot? Mid-morning, after your cortisol has done its job and your adenosine is starting to rise.

Bone Broth & Better Sleep 

Here’s where Brothee Before Coffee comes in: Start your day with nourishing bone broth, not caffeine. Why?

> Bone broth contains glycine, which supports relaxation and deeper sleep.

> Collagen-rich amino acids help regulate nervous system function.

> A warm cup of broth cues your body for calm, not caffeinated chaos.

> You’re not blocking adenosine, you’re building your sleep pressure the way nature intended.

TL;DR 

> Adenosine = sleep pressure builder

> Caffeine = blocks the signal, doesn’t stop the build-up

> Bone broth = supports calm, clarity, and better sleep without messing with your brain’s chemistry

So, skip the early (or late) coffee. Sip the broth. Sleep like a baby.