The best time to drink coffee

Short Version

To avoid the afternoon crash and keep your energy steady, don’t drink coffee right after waking up. Instead, wait until midday. This allows your body’s natural energy to rise in the morning and gives you a caffeine boost when you need it most.

Long Version

Most of us start our day with a cup of coffee, but that might be why we’re hitting a wall by mid-afternoon. According to neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, drinking coffee immediately after waking up might not be ideal. Here’s why and how you can adjust your coffee timing to feel more energized throughout the day.

Why Not First Thing in the Morning?

When you wake up, your body naturally releases cortisol, a hormone that helps you feel alert and awake. Drinking coffee during this time may interfere with this natural process. Plus, it can lead to a cycle where you end up needing more coffee to feel awake over time.

Wait Until Midday for Your Coffee Fix

Andrew Huberman suggests waiting at least 90 to 120 minutes after waking up to have your coffee. Even better, consider pushing it closer to midday. Here’s why this works:

1. Avoids the Afternoon Slump: Drinking coffee around midday means your caffeine boost kicks in when your natural energy starts to drop. This helps you feel more awake and alert in the afternoon, instead of crashing after an early morning coffee wears off.
2. Gives You Longer-Lasting Energy: Having coffee later in the morning or around lunch keeps your energy levels more even. Instead of a big spike in the morning and a sudden drop in the afternoon, you get a steady boost that helps you stay focused for longer.

How to Make the Most of This Coffee Hack

1. Delay Your Morning Coffee: Wait at least 90 minutes after waking up, or aim for a coffee around noon.
2. Start with Water or Herbal Tea: Hydrate first thing in the morning to support your body’s natural wake-up process.
3. Use Coffee for a Midday Boost: Enjoy your coffee after a light meal to maximize focus and energy for the afternoon.

Conclusion

A small change in when you drink your coffee can make a big difference in how you feel and perform throughout the day. Try delaying your coffee to midday and see how it boosts your productivity and keeps your energy steady.