A cup of coffee at the start of the day is the morning routine for an overwhelming number of people. Coffee is our alarm. The smell of coffee is what wakes us up in the morning and it would be hard for me to imagine a morning without a mug at hand. A cup in hand signals the start of the day for most of us.
The big question is: “Is the practice of having coffee as soon as you get up really the most effective way to maximize its energizing effects”? Experts believe that drinking coffee soon after waking up isn’t the most efficient way of getting coffee’s energizing benefits. Here’s why:
Your Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It can be helpful in helping enhance alertness and focus and in regulating metabolism, immune system response, and blood pressure. Reaching for a hot cup of coffee at the beginning of the day actually decreases its effect because your cortisol levels are at its peak in the morning.
Your Circadian Rhythm
Your circadian rhythm is a 24-hour body clock regulated by your environment. One such regulator is the amount of sunlight you get. This is why when the sun is out, you feel more energized and awake. It also explains why most of us feel lazy during rainy or overcast days. Your circadian rhythm also determines your hormonal production. Upon waking up, your circadian rhythm starts producing cortisol, waking you up and making you feel alert. Cortisol peaks between 8am and 9am for most people. Another small spike in cortisol happens from 12nn to 1pm, and then again from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
This means that when you reach for a cup of coffee during these times of the day, you’re already at your natural alertness peak Thus, the alertness boost brought to you by that cup of coffee is negated by your cortisol boost. In short, you don’t need it…yet.
When is the best time to get a cup of coffee?
The short answer: immediately after your cortisol peaks. That would be from 9am to 11:30am in the morning and between 1pm to 5pm in the afternoon. However, those who have problems getting sleep are recommended to stay away from caffeine after 3pm.
I know that it’s hard to let go of routine. But if you’re after the energy and alertness boosting effects of coffee, it’s best to hold off on getting your caffeine fix by waiting a few hours to brew your first cup of joe. It’s just a suggestion backed by good old, hard scientific facts. No one can stop you from enjoying your coffee whenever you want. Afterall, we’re all java junkies here.
What’s your favorite time to get your caffeine fix? When do you think is the best time for a coffee break? Let us know in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp