If you’re an early riser and reach for coffee as soon as you wake up, you might want to reconsider. While coffee is a beloved morning ritual for many, drinking it right after you wake up may not be the best choice.
When you wake up, your body is naturally producing cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which helps you feel alert and awake.
Drinking coffee immediately can interfere with your body’s natural cortisol production, potentially making you more dependent on caffeine for energy throughout the day.
Experts suggest waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour after waking up before having your first cup of coffee.
This gives your body time to complete its natural wake-up process and ensures that your caffeine intake doesn’t interfere with your body's natural rhythm.
That said, there’s no need to cut out your morning coffee entirely. Just timing it a bit later could help you get more from both your coffee and your body’s natural alertness cycle.
So, next time, hold off on that first cup for a little while—you might feel better for it!