Health
Why 90% of people are drinking coffee wrong—and waking up tired: Here’s how to fix it
Its aroma, flavor and its ability to keep us alert make it an indispensable ally for many when waking up. But this morning savior may make you groggier.
For many, coffee is an indispensable morning ritual. Its aroma, flavor, and especially its ability to keep us alert make it a global favorite. But according to experts, the way most people consume coffee may be sabotaging its benefits and leaving them groggy instead of energized.
Recent insights shared by MedinetBogotá reveal a surprising statistic: 90% of people wake up tired because they don’t know how to drink coffee correctly. Understanding the science behind coffee’s effects can help you optimize its benefits and ensure it doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
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The science behind coffee and fatigue
Coffee is widely known for its stimulating effects, but it’s important to understand how it interacts with your body. The caffeine in coffee activates your central nervous system, temporarily boosting alertness and reducing drowsiness. However, it also has notable impacts on the cardiovascular system, such as increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, excessive caffeine consumption can even lead to palpitations or tachycardia.
The problem isn’t just how much coffee you drink—it’s when you drink it.
“Caffeine has a half-life of 4 to 9 hours, meaning it can take that long to be fully metabolized by your body,” experts explain. “If you drink coffee at 3 pm, the caffeine may still be in your system at midnight, affecting your ability to fall asleep.”
This lingering caffeine disrupts your sleep patterns, leading to:
- Shorter rest periods
- Difficulty falling asleep
- More frequent nighttime awakenings
If you’re having trouble sleeping but still want to enjoy coffee, switching to decaf could be a game-changer. Decaf offers the rich flavor of coffee without the sleep-disrupting effects of caffeine.
Read also: Why does coffee make you poop? What the research says
The best time to drink coffee
To reap the full benefits of coffee without compromising your sleep, limit consumption to the morning hours and avoid it after 2 pm. This ensures your body has enough time to metabolize the caffeine well before bedtime.
Coffee’s surprising health benefits
When consumed correctly, coffee offers a host of impressive health benefits:
Boosts energy and focus
- Caffeine, coffee’s active ingredient, is a natural stimulant that enhances alertness and concentration. Studies have shown that a single cup of coffee can significantly improve cognitive performance, making it an excellent choice for jump-starting your day or tackling demanding tasks.
Rich in antioxidants
- Coffee is packed with antioxidants that combat cellular damage and may lower the risk of chronic diseases. These compounds support heart health and may help prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Enhances physical performance
- Drinking coffee before a workout can elevate your physical performance. Caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline, boosting endurance and strength during exercise.
Lowers disease risk
- Regular coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as a lower incidence of certain types of cancer.
Original article written by Marta Rodríguez Peleteiro, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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