Many people have the habit of drinking coffee immediately after waking up. But is this actually healthy? If not, why? What common mistakes are we making when it comes to coffee? And what do medical experts recommend?
According to Dr. Trương Hồng Sơn, PhD—Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Medical Association and Director of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine:
Many people drink one or two cups of coffee right after getting out of bed. However, this can actually reduce coffee’s energizing effect.
The reason: Right after waking, the body’s cortisol hormone levels peak. Cortisol naturally boosts alertness and concentration, and it also plays a role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and blood pressure.
Cortisol levels follow the body’s sleep–wake cycle, typically peaking 30–45 minutes after waking and then gradually decreasing throughout the day.
The Best Time to Drink Coffee
Because of this natural hormone rhythm, the ideal time to drink coffee is mid-morning to late morning, when cortisol levels begin to drop.
For example, if you wake up at 6:30 a.m., the optimal time to enjoy your coffee is around 9:30–11:30 a.m.. Drinking coffee during this window will give you a stronger energy boost and better concentration without interfering with the body’s natural alertness cycle.