The Best Time of Day to Drink Coffee

Best Time to Drink Coffee

You may be one of those people who start their day with a warm cup of coffee, but it’s important to know that the best time to drink coffee is in the mid-morning or before noon. Coffee, due to its caffeine content, is a powerful stimulant that raises cortisol levels. Cortisol is the main stress hormone in the body, responsible for regulating metabolism, immune system function, and blood sugar. Its levels naturally peak 30 to 45 minutes after waking up. Since cortisol stimulates metabolism and energy production, it boosts alertness and energy throughout the day.
To keep cortisol levels balanced, it's best to have a cup of coffee 1-2 hours after waking up. Studies suggest that cortisol levels are still high shortly after waking, so it’s better to wait until mid-morning, when cortisol levels drop, to enjoy your coffee.

Before Exercise

Some people start their day with coffee, while others prefer to drink it when they feel energized, such as before a workout. Coffee can make you feel more energized after drinking it. If you're looking to boost your exercise performance and want to accomplish something important, drink coffee about 30 minutes before your workout.
Consuming coffee before or during exercise provides you with more energy, enhances focus and body coordination, and reduces muscle soreness.

After a Poor Night's Sleep

You can drink coffee whenever you need more focus, such as before an exam or a work presentation. A study from October 2016 shows that caffeine can help improve mood for those who have disrupted sleep. So, if you didn’t sleep well the night before, you can make up for it the next day with coffee.

How Much Coffee Should You Drink?

Studies suggest not to exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is roughly equivalent to 4-5 cups of coffee. For those who have a caffeine sensitivity, it’s advisable to reduce the intake or even eliminate coffee entirely. However, we recommend sticking to a maximum of 2 cups of coffee, and if you need more energy later, try drinking green tea.

Excessive coffee consumption can lead to excessive anxiety, insomnia, and increased cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on the immune system and blood pressure. Additionally, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can worsen the situation. It’s better to consume coffee with a meal containing healthy fats or protein, as coffee on an empty stomach can increase cortisol levels and cause blood sugar issues.

Other Tips

• Avoid drinking coffee at the end of the day, as it can disrupt your sleep quality.

• While coffee can improve your performance, its side effect is sleep disturbance.

• For those who are sensitive to caffeine, coffee can take longer to leave the body.

• Some people who are sensitive to coffee should avoid drinking it after the middle of the day.

• The type of coffee you consume also matters.

• Focus on drinking light coffee for better quality.

• The best option is to choose organic coffee, which tends to be more effective.