Have you ever stopped to think about the best time to drink coffee? You probably know that it is a deadly sin to have your caffeine fix in the afternoon, especially if you have trouble sleeping. But do you ever drink your coffee and feel like it will not give you that much-needed “kick” to get the day started?
Do not worry; you are not alone. Many coffee drinkers feel that coffee dilemma, too. The reason for this has to do with a scientific idea that most people do not even know exists: chronopharmacology.
Chronopharmacology Explained
Chronopharmacology is the study of the interaction between biological rhythms and medication. Experts say that one of the key biological rhythms is the circadian clock. This clock is a 24-hour hormonal cycle, which controls how sleepy or awake you are throughout the day. Moreover, it regulates the production of cortisol, the hormone that keeps you alert.
Experts say that drinking too much coffee during times when the body has high levels of cortisol results in minimal caffeine effect. It also makes the body more tolerant to the effects of caffeine.
The Best Time to Get Your Caffeine Fix
Manolas Bros supports scientific recommendations to drink coffee an hour to 90 minutes after waking up. Research suggests that sunlight has an effect on the release of cortisol.
Cortisol levels are high for those who regularly wake up between 6am and 8am, but it will start to go down around 9:30 am. The cortisol levels will rise again at noon and fall again at around 5:30 pm.
This means the best time to get your caffeine fix is somewhere around 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30pm to 5:30 pm.
Now you are probably thinking, “Okay, I’ll just wake up early, sunlight will not mess with the cortisol hormones.” Wrong. Scientists say that even though sunlight affects the production of cortisol, the body’s hormone levels still increase by about 50% upon waking. You still need to wait at least an hour or so after waking up before sipping your daily dose of the heavenly drink.
Consider changing your habit a bit and see the difference. You will definitely get that early morning kick you needed so badly to get you started with the day.