Sleep expert explains why you shouldn't drink coffee in first hour of waking
The first thing the majority of us do in the morning is reach for a coffee, or buy a coffee, something to do with coffee to get us started for the day and get us out of ‘buffering mode’.
And upon returning to work after the Christmas period, many of us need a caffeine pick-me-up to get us through the slog of getting back into our usual routines.
While it is a societal norm, and something that many of us rely on for energy in those groggy mornings, a sleep expert has shared why we ‘should never’ drink coffee within the first hour of waking, and how it might be affecting us negatively.
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Rex Isap, sleep expert and CEO at Happy Beds, urges people to stay away from drinking coffee right after opening their eyes in the morning, saying: “When it comes to that crucial first cup of coffee in the morning, many people tend to reach for the kettle within the first 5-10 minutes of waking.
"However, to reap the full benefits of the caffeine, you should wait at least an hour.
“Upon waking, our cortisol levels, often associated with stress, are at their peak. Surprisingly, cortisol enhances alertness.
"Having caffeine while cortisol levels are already high may counteract this effect, possibly leading to a tolerance for caffeine.”
So the earlier you drink caffeine, the less effective it’ll end up being in the long run.
He advised: “Throughout the day, our brains produce a sleep-promoting chemical called adenosine. The longer we stay awake, the more adenosine builds up, making us feel sleepy.
"Yet, caffeine throws a spanner in the works by blocking adenosine receptors, keeping us alert and promoting wakefulness.
"So, if you've ever found it challenging to drift off after a day filled with coffee, this could be the underlying reason.
“So, my advice would be to consider holding off on that morning brew for at least an hour. Your cortisol levels and, ultimately, your sleep might just appreciate the breather.”
The sleep expert shared the better alternatives to your usual coffee in the mornings, that he claims will give you a bigger energy boost.
He claims that a turmeric latte or ‘Golden Milk’ has numerous health benefits and that the turmeric ‘may aid in protecting against sleep deprivation, potentially contributing to improved sleep quality’.
He also suggests matcha, peppermint and ginger tea as better options than coffee, as each of them contains relaxing properties and anti-inflammatory effects, with an overall boost of ‘natural, de-caffeinated energy’.
Topics: Food and Drink, Health, Coffee
Chelsea Connor