Coffee timing decoded: Should you sip in the morning or afternoon?
The best time to drink coffee revealed (photo: Freepik)
The timing of coffee consumption affects how the body responds to caffeine. Morning coffee can boost alertness and concentration, while an afternoon cup may reduce drowsiness but also interfere with nighttime sleep, according to Verywell Health.
When to drink for alertness and focus
The Industrial Psychiatry Journal notes that many people drink coffee in the morning - before, during, or after their first meal. Caffeine in coffee can help you feel awake, focused, and attentive for several hours.
As the day progresses, the effects of morning coffee begin to fade, and having another cup later in the afternoon can help maintain focus, but may disrupt sleep.
A 350ml cup of coffee contains between 113 and 247mg of caffeine. Decaf coffee contains less caffeine, while some coffee drinks, like espresso, have higher concentrations.
According to iScience, drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening is more likely to affect sleep than drinking morning coffee. However, some people find it hard to fall asleep even after a single cup in the morning.
Before workouts for a performance boost
MDPI reports that, for some individuals, coffee can improve endurance and athletic performance. These people may consume caffeine before training or sports activities.
Drinking coffee later in the day or evening to enhance performance can interfere with sleep.
With or without food
Whether you drink coffee in the morning, afternoon, or evening, its effects can vary depending on whether you eat at the same time. For some people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn.
Having food in the stomach can slow caffeine absorption and extend its effects, making coffee gentler and longer-lasting compared to drinking it on an empty stomach.
Side effects of coffee
Coffee can cause:
- Diarrhea;
- Stomach upset;
- Nervousness or irritability;
- Headaches;
- Tremors.
Excessive caffeine consumption can be harmful. About two to three 350 ml cups of coffee per day are generally not associated with adverse effects.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
