Waking up in the morning can be a challenge, and sometimes we need a little help to get going. For many, that help comes in the form of coffee, with its invigorating aroma and taste.
A dose of caffeine can boost your energy and alertness, providing a much-needed kickstart to your day. But when is the optimal time to enjoy your first cup?
“The stress hormone cortisol peaks in the early morning hours, helping us wake up and get moving,” explains Kirsten Jackson, founder of Food Treatment Clinic and a consultant nutritionist. “This rise in cortisol levels between 7 and 8 a.m. helps raise blood sugar levels, giving us the energy we need for the day ahead.”
Similar to cortisol, caffeine from coffee boosts energy levels and brain activity. However, consuming coffee when cortisol levels are already high may not be as effective in providing the desired energy boost.
To maximize the benefits of your coffee, it’s recommended to wait until later in the morning to enjoy your first cup. By aligning your coffee consumption with your body’s natural cortisol rhythms, you can make the most of its stimulating effects.
Cortisol levels typically peak in the morning, so having coffee at this time may not fully enhance its effects. Waiting until around 10-11 a.m. allows you to first benefit from your body’s natural wakefulness before enjoying the caffeine-induced stimulation.
When is the best time to drink coffee?
Considering factors like cortisol levels and caffeine’s impact on sleep cycles, it’s advised to avoid consuming coffee after noon to prevent sleep disruptions caused by lingering caffeine in your system.
“Drinking coffee later in the day can interfere with your ability to have a restful night’s sleep, as caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, inhibiting drowsiness,” Jackson explains.
By following a specific coffee drinking schedule, such as having a cup between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., you can align your caffeine intake with your body’s natural rhythms and optimize its effects throughout the day.
About our experts
Kirsten Jackson, also known as the ‘IBS Dietitian’, is a registered dietitian specializing in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She established the Food Treatment Clinic in 2015, offering expert gastroenterology advice for various conditions.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
