"Wake up and have coffee right away? NO!"...There's a separate time for your morning 'first coffee'! When?

Monday, the 25th, will be mostly sunny across the country, gradually becoming cloudy in the afternoon. Morning lows will range from -2 to 10 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will range from 13 to 19 degrees Celsius, similar to or slightly higher than average. While the autumn weather will be warmer than average, rain will fall nationwide starting Tuesday, ushering in winter.

Today's Health Many people find morning coffee essential. Is it really necessary? Experts warn that the first cup of coffee in the morning isn't the best way to boost energy. While many people cite coffee as a morning essential, sleep expert Dr. Deborah Lee says, "Morning coffee may not be as effective as you might expect."

"When you wake up in the morning, your levels of the stress hormone cortisol are at their peak," he explained in an interview with the British daily Mirror. "Cortisol plays a crucial role in increasing focus and alertness, and regulating metabolism and immune system responses." However, he added, "Drinking coffee when cortisol levels are already at their peak can actually have negative side effects. In the long term, it can build a tolerance to caffeine, reducing its effectiveness."

Fitness coach Dan Goh argues that "what you need most in the morning is hydration, not coffee," and that drinking water first thing in the morning is more beneficial for your health. Coach Ashley Richmond also emphasized on social media that "to improve your energy levels, it's important to drink plenty of water, avoid coffee first thing in the morning, and get at least two hours of sunlight."

 

Morning coffee: When is it most effective to drink it?

Dr. Deborah Lee recommends waiting at least 45 minutes after waking up before drinking coffee. She explains that drinking coffee when cortisol levels naturally begin to decline is more effective for boosting energy than drinking it immediately after waking up.

"Cortisol follows a specific rhythm based on an individual's sleep cycle," he said. "It typically peaks 30 to 45 minutes after waking up, and then begins to gradually decline. Drinking coffee in sync with this natural rhythm can maximize the effects of caffeine."

For early risers, it's ideal to drink your first cup of coffee between 10 a.m. and noon. This also aligns well with the mid-morning energy waning point. However, be careful not to consume caffeine too late in the afternoon, as it can disrupt your night's sleep.

 

What to do about caffeine intake in the evening?

Dr. Lee recommends avoiding caffeine for at least six hours before bedtime. While caffeine tolerance may vary, it's best to avoid coffee, soda, energy drinks, and even regular tea after 3 p.m. Instead, he suggests choosing herbal tea or decaffeinated beverages for the comfort of a warm beverage.

 

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I tend to drink coffee a little early on weekdays.

As soon as I get to the office, I start with coffee.

I end up finding it and eating it.