Is your evening brew sabotaging your sleep? Experts weigh in
Coffee continues to spark controversy and remains a subject of scientific research. A simple question, such as whether you can have it in the evening or should avoid it, doesn't have a straightforward answer because it depends on many factors.
Coffee is one of our favorite beverages, and new reports about it keep emerging. Numerous studies have shown that it has a very positive effect on health. However, you should not overindulge or consume it at inappropriate hours.
When to drink coffee
Coffee has earned the title of the best drink to start the day. It stimulates and energizes. We often enjoy coffee after lunch, especially an espresso, as a pleasant addition to a meal. However, it's commonly understood that coffee should be avoided in the evening, as it can hinder falling asleep.
Time for the last coffee
Drinking your last coffee of the day is recommended six hours before going to bed. During this time, caffeine can be flushed out of the body. Caffeine can cause difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, and frequent awakenings at night. It stimulates the nervous system, increases adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, and inhibits the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for sleepiness. That's why a small black coffee is so helpful when, for example, we study or work for many hours.
Coffee is connected to the daily rhythm
Recent research has shown that drinking coffee in the morning reduces the risk of premature death by as much as 16%. Beneficial results are seen with both one and three cups. Drinking coffee in the evening did not decrease the risk of death. However, did it have a negative effect? There is no clear answer. Researchers decided to continue their studies, but it is noticeable that coffee is significantly connected to the daily rhythm.
Do you want to have coffee in the evening?
- Observe your body. Caffeine affects everyone differently. Not everyone is equally sensitive to its effects.
- In the evening, it is worth choosing coffee with low caffeine content; a good decision is to opt for decaffeinated coffee.
- Another idea is grain coffee, which tastes great, especially with spices.
- You can replace milky coffees with an herbal latte if you like them. Milk foam goes well with chamomile infusion.
- Add spices like cardamom or cinnamon to decaffeinated or grain coffee. They have a relaxing effect.
