Coffee Timing Matters: Drink After 9 AM for Maximum Alertness
Coffee enthusiasts, consider this: the timing of your morning brew can impact how it affects your body. A recent study shows that drinking coffee between 8 and 9 a.m. might not be ideal.
Your body's cortisol levels, a stress hormone that naturally enhances alertness, peak around 8 a.m. Consuming coffee during this time can counteract this effect, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Instead, the optimal time to enjoy your coffee for maximum alertness and productivity is between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and again in the afternoon from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Think of it like this: your body's cortisol levels are already high in the morning, so adding cortisol (from coffee) can be counterproductive. But later in the day, cortisol levels start to dip, and that's when caffeine can give you the boost you need.
So, if you're a coffee drinker, consider holding off until after 9 a.m. to avoid disrupting your body's natural rhythm. And remember, timing is key to getting the most out of your morning cup of coffee.
