Featured Image Credit: Stefania Pelfini/Westend61/Getty Images
Topics: Health, Food And Drink, Sleep
Claire Reid
Topics: Health, Food And Drink, Sleep
A sleep expert has revealed why you shouldn’t kick off your day with a cup of coffee.
Yep - contrary to what you may believe, it turns out that knocking back a big hit of caffeine first thing isn’t actually a good idea. Listen, I’m as surprised as anyone.
Thousands of Brits think nothing of getting up and making themselves a cup of coffee to shake off any lingering sleepiness, but sleep expert Doctor Deborah Lee, from Get Laid Beds, has explained why that’s actually not a good idea.
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors - which are responsible for making you feel sleepy - in your brain, thus making you feel more lively and awake.
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But blocking these receptors as soon as you’ve hauled yourself out of bed, isn’t a good idea.
Dr Lee told the Sun: “Elevated levels or cortisol can impact your immune system, and if they’re already at a peak when waking up, drinking coffee as soon as your eyes open may do more harm than good.
“This may even make you immune to caffeine over a long period of time.”
So, when is the best time to have a coffee?
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Well, according to Doctor Lee it’s when your energy levels begin to slump during the mid-morning as that’s when you’ll feel the biggest benefits.
She said: “The best time to drink coffee would typically be to drink mid-to-late morning when your cortisol is a lot lower and you can start to feel that energy slump.
“But of course, not too late in the afternoon as it could affect your sleep.
“If you’re someone that wakes up at around 7am, leaving your first coffee until around 10am to 12pm will be when your body, and mind, will appreciate it the most.
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“And you’ll get the most benefits from the caffeine.”
And, of course, it’s also wise to make sure you cut your caffeine intake at a reasonable hour so it doesn’t impact your sleep schedule - because that late night cup of coffee could see you lying awake at night. Not ideal.
“To avoid messing up your sleeping pattern, avoid any caffeine after 3pm including coffee, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and even tea,” Doctor Lee said.
“Try switching to herbal teas if you need a hot drink to stay warm, or decaf to trick yourself into thinking you’re getting your caffeine fix.
“Your sleep schedule will thank you!”