Improves energy level: Sleepiness is mostly induced by adenosine. This inhibitory neurotransmitter is produced in the brain during wakefulness but in the night its level drops. If the sleep is too short, the level of adenosine can remain relatively high. In that kind of situation, caffeine and theacrine might be a great support. They act as antagonists of adenosine receptors – they can attach to those receptors without causing excitation, essentially blocking signal transmission. Then, adenosine is not able to affect neurons so the sleepiness is significantly reduced. But that’s not all. Caffeine and theacrine may also improve the level of dopamine – a neurotransmitter that can be considered a source of energy and motivation for the mind. DLPA and L-DOPA are dopamine precursors. It is worth noting that production of this neurotransmitter is a multistage process. DLPA gets transformed into tyrosine which then changes into L-DOPA that ultimately can be synthesized to dopamine. Our formula contains those two precursors that occur at different stages of dopamine production. Because of that, the level of this compound can be raised quickly (thanks to L-DOPA) and remain high for a longer time (with DLPA). EGCG is another ingredient that has an important role in this process. In the human digestive tract there is an enzyme known as AAAD that transforms L-DOPA into dopamine. It is, however, not desirable because in this situation dopamine is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier so it cannot get from the gastrointestinal system to the brain. However, L-DOPA doesn’t have so much trouble crossing the blood-brain barrier. EGCG inhibits AAAD enzyme, not allowing L-DOPA to transform into dopamine before reaching the brain. And let’s remember that dopamine indeed is a key neurotransmitter but can also be used as a substrate in the production of other neurotransmitters: epinephrine and norepinephrine. They induce stimulating effects and mobilize the body just like dopamine but mostly in the physical sphere rather than the mental. Vitamin B12 takes part in the synthesis of all those compounds. Besides that, it acts as a cofactor of enzymes that transform complex carbohydrates into glucose which is the main source of energy for the cells. Stimulation of the central nervous system is indeed a good way to reduce sleepiness, however, when this stimulation is too intense, it might bring side effects such as nervousness, attention issues and shakiness. These effects can be neutralized by L-theanine that stimulates the activity of GABA – a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that prevents overstimulation of the nervous system. By combining all those ingredients we obtained a formula that can help to stay active after a sleepless night.

Improves intellectual endurance: In order to perform tasks that require a high level of focus and mental resources we might need a proper level of motivation. The ingredients of our formula might be helpful in that regard. DLPA and L-DOPA (supported by EGCG) are precursors of dopamine while B12 is a cofactor in the production of this neurotransmitter. And since dopamine influences energy and motivation levels, it might help to deal with procrastination and to finish the task on time. Or maybe tasks, we should say. In fact, dopamine is important for multitasking – the ability to smoothly change focus between different objects. So, it might be easier to do things such as responding to emails and listening to the radio at the same time. Most likely, it won’t be that hard to quickly go back to a task after getting distracted. And since we mentioned distractions, L-theanine might be able to reduce them (at least those that are caused by neuronal activity). This compound increases the amount of GABA – a key neurotransmitter that helps to soothe the symptoms of stress and anxiety. The proper GABA activity is necessary to finish the task that we undertook. All in all, our formula will make it easier to perform the things that we planned for a specific day, even if this day was preceded by a sleepless night.

Supports learning abilities: Dopamine is important for the ability to focus. We already mentioned that its activity can be improved by: DLPA and L-DOPA (as precursors), vitamin B12 and EGCG (indirectly) and caffeine with theacrine. Yet, the brain requires other neurotransmitters to function properly. One of them is acetylcholine that improves the speed of information processing and stimulates cognitive functions. This neurotransmitter is crucial for memory processes that are the foundation of efficient learning. Caffeine increases acetylcholine release in the synapses and improves the density of its receptors on the surface of neurons. This effect is the most intense in the hippocampus – a brain structure that governs most of the processes related to long-term memory. EGCG is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor meaning that it inhibits the activity of an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. In effect, acetylcholine can affect the neurons more intensively, facilitating information acquisition. But there is another thing that may have a huge impact on our learning outcome. Mood and general well-being, of course, since it is usually easier to learn new things when we are relaxed. In fact, there is even a state of neuronal activity called “relaxed awareness” and it can be supported by L-theanine. This ingredient enhances alpha brain waves – cycles of bioelectrical activity of the brain that have a frequency of 8-13 Hz. They induce a state of wakefulness but also relaxation that might be beneficial for cognitive functions that are the basis of learning.

Supports mental well-being: Having a bad mood after a night with no to little sleep? You don’t need to! After all, your mood is also highly dependent on neural processes and neurotransmitter activity. Thanks to DLPA, L-DOPA, EGCG, vitamin B12, caffeine and theacrine we might be able to improve the activity of dopamine that helps to maintain a high level of energy and motivation. Besides that, this neurotransmitter is secreted in great amounts during the activation of the reward system – a brain structure that regulates motivation and induces feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Vitamin B12 is also a cofactor in serotonin production. Caffeine and theacrine increase the density of this neurotransmitter and the number of its receptors on the surface of neuron plasma membranes. There’s no wonder why serotonin is known as a “happiness hormone” – a balanced activity of this compound is necessary to achieve inner comfort and well-being. By improving serotonin activity, it will be easier to enjoy a good mood. And if we were to stabilize it, we might consider L-theanine that affects the activity of GABA – the main inhibitory neurotransmitter that turns off unnecessary nerve impulses and thus helps to keep the activity of the brain balanced. It has an important role in stress resilience and relaxation. L-theanine is able to increase GABA levels by up to 20%! And since it can also improve alpha brain waves, it makes the brain – as well as the whole body – relaxed but not sleepy. So, with a combined power of those ingredients our formula will help to carry on, even after a tiring day or a sleepless night.