Morning Coffee: Why You Should Wait a Little While
Many people start their day with a nice cup of coffee, and for many it is the way to wake up. But did you know that it might be better to wait a little while before you make your first cup? Although coffee seems like the perfect solution for morning dullness at first glance, there are several reasons why it is better to wait a little while before you make your first cup.
Cortisol levels in the morning
When you wake up, your body produces a natural spike in cortisol, the so-called 'stress hormone'. Cortisol plays an important role in regulating your energy and alertness, and helps you start your day. This natural increase in cortisol helps you wake up and be active without any extra stimulation from outside.
Now, if you drink coffee right after waking up, you’ll increase your cortisol production even more. This can disrupt your natural energy, and your body may have a harder time staying alert throughout the day without the help of caffeine. It can also increase your tolerance to caffeine, meaning you’ll end up needing more to achieve the same level of energy.
Caffeine and your biorhythm
Your body works according to an internal rhythm, also called your circadian rhythm. This rhythm determines when you have energy peaks and troughs. Drinking coffee right after waking up can disrupt this rhythm. When you give your body the chance to wake up naturally, it has time to start its energy production in the right order.
By drinking coffee right away, you are sending your body the signal that you need something else to wake up. This can affect your energy levels for the rest of the day and even mess up your circadian rhythm.
The impact on your stomach
Coffee has a stimulating effect on the production of gastric juices, which can lead to irritation of the stomach lining, especially if you have not eaten. An empty stomach can react sensitively to the acids in coffee, which can result in discomforts such as bloating or even heartburn. If you drink coffee first with a small breakfast or a little water, this can significantly reduce the chance of stomach complaints.
Caffeine tolerance
When you drink coffee right after waking up, your body may become accustomed to the caffeine more quickly. You start to build up a higher tolerance, meaning you’ll need more coffee in the future to feel the same effect. This can lead to a vicious cycle where you need more and more coffee to stay awake, increasing the likelihood that you’ll become dependent on caffeine to get through your day.
The best time for coffee?
So, when is the best time to drink your coffee? It is recommended to wait until your cortisol levels have normalized, usually about 1-2 hours after waking up. At this point, your body is less dependent on its own natural energy production, and coffee will optimally help you stay alert and energized without disrupting your circadian rhythm.
Get the most out of your coffee
While a cup of coffee is a familiar habit for many people when they wake up, it may not be the best choice for your body. Wait a bit and give your natural energy a chance to kick in before adding the caffeine. This will help you get the most out of your coffee and avoid relying on caffeine to get you through your day.
So next time you get out of bed, try holding off on your coffee and give your body time to naturally wake itself up. You’ll find that your energy stays more balanced throughout the day!
