Coffee is part of everyday life for many people, used to provide energy, flavor and aroma. Different people have different ideas about when it is best to drink coffee, with some enjoying it in the morning, others in the afternoon and some throughout the day. One important question to ask is how late in the day can someone sensibly drink coffee? In this article we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of drinking coffee in the later hours of the day, along with some expert opinions.
Firstly, it is worth considering the stimulant effects of coffee, more formally known as caffeine. This is the main active ingredient in coffee, and a stimulant-like chemical that can affect people in a variety of ways. Caffeine works to temporarily increase levels of alertness, concentration, focus and energy. It can be beneficial at the beginning of the day when you need to stay alert and focused, but it can also have a detrimental effect when drunk later in the evening. Some people report feeling more energized after having a few cups of coffee in the evening, but this is usually accompanied by difficulty sleeping and disrupted sleeping patterns which could prove harmful long-term.
Studies have also found that drinking caffeine later in the day can have a significant effect on your body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. The body clock dictates when certain functions need to be done, such as sleeping and eating, and drinking coffee later in the day can throw this off balance. For example, drinking coffee 6 to 8 hours before bedtime can lead to reduced sleep of up to 3 hours.
There are a few factors which can make drinking coffee later in the day worse. For example, many people prefer to drink coffee that is made with more caffeine, such as an espresso or a strong cup of Joe. These types of drinks can be more stimulating, especially when drunk in the evening. Similarly, adding cream or sugar to coffee can make it more stimulating, introducing more calories and making it harder to fall asleep.
H2:Effects on Digestion
Drinking coffee later in the day can also have an effect on your digestion. Some people find that drinking coffee later in the afternoon or evening can cause them to feel bloated or gasy, which can make it difficult to relax or have a good night’s rest. Additionally, coffee is acidic and can cause heartburn for some people if consumed too late in the day.
Despite the drawbacks, drinking coffee later in the day also has some benefits. For example, one study found that people who drank coffee in the afternoon had better reaction times than those who didn’t drink coffee at all. Drinking coffee late in the day can also be a good way of getting an energy boost to help you finish the day.
H2:Expert Opinion
Experts agree that the ideal time to drink coffee changes depending on an individual’s own body clock, however they also advise that in general, it is best to avoid drinking coffee after dinner. Dietician Max Heywood suggests that, “in general, it is a good idea to avoid drinking coffee later than 4pm in the afternoon, and sticking to one to two cups a day.”
Sleep expert Dr. Karen Park also agrees that the best time to drink coffee depends on when you naturally feel the most alert and awake. “If your body feels tired earlier, then naturally drinking coffee earlier would be best. It all depends on the individual,” she says.
To sum up, there is no definitive answer as to when it is best to drink coffee later in the day, however most experts suggest avoiding it after dinner, or drinking it in moderation. Drinking coffee in the afternoon can be beneficial for some, but it can also have a negative effect on sleep and digestion.
H2:Tips to Consume Coffee Later in the Day
For those who do want to drink coffee late in the day, there are a few tips to ensure it won’t keep you awake. Firstly, avoid stronger drinks like espresso which contain higher levels of caffeine. Secondly, skip the additives such as cream and sugar which can make it more energizing. Thirdly, drink it with food to balance out the energy boost, such as a light snack like hummus and crackers or a yogurt-based treat. Fourthly, try adding chamomile or peppermint tea to your coffee for a calming effect.
H2:Consuming Coffee Before Bed
If you are considering drinking coffee right before bed, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the effects of caffeine can take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes to kick in, so drinking coffee just before bed may still affect your sleep. Secondly, consider what the caffeine is replacing in terms of relaxation and winding down-avoiding the late night snacks and opting for more calming drinks like chamomile tea or hot milk. Thirdly, if you really must consume coffee before bed, consider using a low-caffeine option or decaf.
H2:Alternatives to Coffee
People looking for an energy boost later in the day, or an alternative to coffee, may consider herbal teas and green teas. These are packed with antioxidants and vitamins and can help give you an energy and mental focus boost. Natural energy drinks such as lemon water or coconut water are also great options to boost your energy levels, and they won’t have the same jittery effects as coffee.
H2:Takeaways
In conclusion, it is best to avoid drinking coffee late in the day when possible. Caffeine can have detrimental effects on your body clock and digestion, and can make it harder to sleep later in the evening. However, there are still some benefits to drinking coffee late in the day, and everyone has their own individual body clock. As such, it is important to assess when is the best time for you to drink coffee depending on how it affects you and your sleep routine.
