Rethink your morning coffee: best time to boost your energy
Morning is a time for coffee for many people. An aromatic "black coffee" cup is meant to wake us up and give us energy. But is it the best way to start the day? It turns out that the timing of drinking coffee significantly impacts its effectiveness.
9:01 PM EDT, May 16, 2024
After waking up, many of us immediately reach for a cup of coffee, expecting an instant energy boost. However, sleep experts suggest that there is an optimal time to consume this aromatic beverage, which can affect our well-being and sleep. Discover the best time to drink your first coffee and how it impacts your day.
Why should you wait to drink coffee?
Dr. Lee explains that we shouldn't drink coffee immediately after getting out of bed because of the cortisol levels in our bodies. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, "follows a rhythm specific to its own sleep cycle." The highest cortisol concentration is in our body upon waking and changes throughout the day.
If we drink coffee when the cortisol level is high, caffeine can raise it even more, leading to nervousness, irritability, and problems with concentration. On the other hand, drinking coffee around 10 AM, when cortisol levels start to decline, allows us to benefit from the stimulating effects of caffeine fully.
In addition to the right time to drink coffee, limiting its consumption in the second half of the day is essential. Caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep, so we should have our last coffee at least 6 hours before bed.
If you can't imagine a morning without an energy boost, you can opt for natural caffeine-free beverages, such as herbal or fruit teas. These drinks can also boost your energy and will not negatively impact your sleep.
By following these simple rules, we can fully utilize coffee's stimulating effects and enjoy energy throughout the day without adverse side effects.
