Late Morning Is The BestTime To Drink Coffee

Many individuals drink coffee for their daily jolt of caffeine. Drinking that cup early in the day blunts caffeine's energy-boosting effects and could possibly lead to higher tolerance. Circadian rhythms and the release of the hormone cortisol are factors on how caffeine is processed.

Although everyone is slightly different, circadian rhythms are genetically programmed into individuals. Lifestyle habits may change this to a certain extent, but sunlight is the major regulating factor. Cortisol, the hormone that makes us feel alert and awake, enters peak production under normal circumstances between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. When many people are having their initial cups of coffee, their bodies are producing their own natural caffeine. Consuming caffeine at a time when cortisol is in peak production actually diminishes its effects and allows individuals to build up greater tolerance to it. Consuming caffeine at the time when cortisol is in peak production runs counter to pharmacology principles that call for use of a drug when it is most needed.

Because cortisol is also a stress-related hormone, an increase tolerance for caffeine can lead to heightened cortisol levels, which can have adverse effects on health.

A 2009 study indicates that in addition to the morning time slot, cortisol production peaks an additional two times during the day,  between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Timing coffee consumption when cortisol levels naturally dip is the best time to drink coffee. Thus, the best time to consume caffeine-laden coffee is between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. If you are a daily coffee drinker, however, drinking a cup of coffee every hour or so will give you the best bang for your buck with regard to positive effects from caffeine.

One aspect that no study has taken into consideration, however, is the effect that coffee and caffeine consumption has on individuals who use it very early in the morning such as at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. The only  comment that could be said for individuals who must have their caffeine fix at this time of the day is the old adage of "everything in moderation."