Early Morning is the Worst Time to Drink Coffee

Over 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day, there is no denying that coffee is a deeply embedded habit in our global culture. Although what you may not already know, is according to scientific research having coffee first thing in the morning is one of the worst times of day to consume caffeine.

Why?

Drinking a coffee first thing in the morning will increase your tolerance to coffee at a faster rate, and make it even harder to get up every morning without relying on coffee. Our bodies naturally produce cortisol, the hormone that keeps us awake and alert, at varying levels throughout the day. Your body will naturally produce this first thing in the morning as a mechanism to wake up and increase alertness, and consuming coffee (or other caffeine) first thing will cause your body to rely on the coffee for it’s cortisol production instead of produce it’s own.

What’s is the best time?

According to this scientific study the best times to consume coffee are between 10am-12pm, or between 2pm-5pm when cortisol levels are at their lowest. Or if you wake up earlier or later, the best time is usually 1 hour after you have woken up.

(Source: ilovecoffee.jp)

How else can I optimize my coffee consumption?

If you can tough it out, taking a two week caffeine fast can completely reset your caffeine tolerance to zero. When your caffeine tolerance is reset to zero you experience the effects of caffeine like it’s your first time – feelings of euphoria, extreme alertness, positive feelings, increased motivation, and increased energy lasting all day. Or you could take a look at some alternatives to coffee and energy drinks, such as natural supplements and vitamins: L-Carnitine or Vitamin B Complex, or alternative focus hacks such as a cold shower or strong sugar free mints to boost your focus.