For many of us, coffee is part of our regular routine – providing a much-needed energy hit during the day. But are you drinking your coffee at the right time?
Introducing our circadian rhythm
Science says that for maximum effect, we should take a more strategic approach to when we get that caffeine hit.
Why? Well, it all comes down to our circadian rhythm. This is our internal body clock, which determines when we feel either alert and fired up, or slow and sluggish during the day.
Our internal clock controls the release of cortisol, that lovely stress hormone that our bodies naturally produce during ‘fight or flight’ scenarios.
When do we release cortisol?
In a recent episode of AsapSCIENCE, researchers said we release a shot of cortisol between 8am and 9am each day. In fact, this is the time when our cortisol levels reach their peak.
This means that at these times, our body naturally wakes us up. So you might assume that drinking coffee during peak cortisol production times will give an even greater energy boost, right?
Nope.
Science has shown that drinking coffee or energy drinks during peak cortisol release actually significantly hinders the effects of caffeine and even leads to tolerance of the drug. That means over time you have to consume more and more caffeine to get that ‘buzz’.
So when should you drink coffee?
Wait until after cortisol peaks before pouring yourself a hot coffee – say around 10 or 11am. You should also avoid caffeine at other peak cortisol times – 12 to 1pm, and 5.30 to 6.30pm.
Also bear in mind that when you wake up, your cortisol production naturally increases by half. So when you get up, move around a little before pouring your first cuppa.
Follow these steps and you’ll probably find you have less of an energy slump throughout the day, and enjoy that cup of coffee even more.
