Glow Scoop

The best time to drink coffee depends on your body’s natural rhythms and your goals for drinking it (e.g., boosting energy, enhancing focus, or enjoying the experience). Here’s what research and experts suggest:

1. After Your Morning Wake-Up

Avoid drinking coffee immediately after waking up because your body produces cortisol, a natural energy-boosting hormone, in the early hours. Drinking coffee during this time can interfere with cortisol production, reducing its effectiveness. Instead:

• Ideal Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM (or 1-2 hours after waking).
• Why: Your cortisol levels start to drop, so coffee can help maintain alertness.

2. Midday Energy Boost

Drinking coffee during a mid-afternoon energy slump can improve focus and productivity.

• Ideal Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
• Why: This is another period when cortisol levels dip, and coffee can prevent the post-lunch “crash.”

3. Before a Workout

If you’re looking for a performance boost, a cup of coffee before exercise can enhance endurance and focus.

• Ideal Time: 30-60 minutes before your workout.
• Why: Coffee increases adrenaline and improves physical performance.

4. Not Too Late in the Day

Avoid drinking coffee too late, as caffeine has a half-life of about 5-6 hours, which means it can stay in your system and interfere with sleep.

• Cutoff Time: No later than 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, depending on your sensitivity to caffeine and bedtime.