On Monday the 25th, the whole country will be mostly clear initially, but it will gradually become cloudy from the afternoon. The morning low temperatures will range from -2 to 10 degrees Celsius, and the daytime high temperatures will be between 13 and 19 degrees, similar to or slightly higher than usual. Although it will be a mild autumn day compared to the average, rain will fall across the country starting Tuesday, and winter will arrive quickly.

Today's health = Many people consider morning coffee essential. Is it really necessary? Experts warn that the first coffee of the morning is not the best way to boost energy. While many people list coffee as a morning necessity, sleep expert Dr. Deborah Lee says, "Morning coffee may not be as effective as you expect."

He explained in an interview with the UK daily Mirror, "When you wake up in the morning, your cortisol levels, the stress hormone, reach their peak. Cortisol plays an important role in increasing alertness and focus, as well as regulating metabolism and immune system responses." However, he said, "Drinking coffee when cortisol is already at its peak can actually cause side effects. In the long run, it can build tolerance to caffeine and reduce its effectiveness."

Fitness coach Dan Go stated, "The most necessary thing in the morning is not coffee but hydration," asserting that drinking water first thing in the morning is more beneficial for health. Coach Ashley Richmond also emphasized on social media, "To improve energy levels, it is important to stay well-hydrated, avoid the first morning coffee, and get at least two hours of sunlight."

 

Morning coffee, when is the most effective time to drink it?

Dr. Deborah Lee recommends waiting at least 45 minutes after waking up before drinking coffee. She explains that it is more effective for an energy boost to drink coffee when cortisol levels naturally start to decrease, rather than immediately upon waking.

He said, "Cortisol follows a specific rhythm according to an individual's sleep cycle. It usually peaks between 30 to 45 minutes after waking up and then gradually decreases. Drinking coffee in sync with this natural rhythm can maximize the effects of caffeine."

For those who wake up early in the morning, it is ideal to have their first coffee between 10 a.m. and noon. It also aligns well with the time when energy tends to decline during the morning. However, consuming caffeine too late in the afternoon can interfere with sleep at night, so caution is necessary.

 

How should I handle caffeine intake during the evening?

Dr. Lee recommended not to consume caffeine at least 6 hours before sleep. While it may vary depending on an individual's caffeine tolerance, it is advisable to avoid coffee, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and even regular tea after 3 p.m. Instead, she suggested choosing herbal teas or decaffeinated beverages to enjoy the comfort of a warm drink.

 

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I end up having coffee a bit earlier on weekdays.

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

I end up finding and eating it.