The Best Time to Drink Coffee for Focus
Our bodies naturally produce a hormone called cortisol, which helps us feel alert and awake. Cortisol levels tend to peak shortly after we wake up, usually between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. for most people.
This means that drinking coffee during this window might actually have a reduced effect as your body is already doing the job of waking you up.
So when is the best time to grab that cuppa for the biggest boost? Let’s find out.
When Is It Most Effective?
Researchers suggest the best time to drink coffee is between 9.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. when cortisol levels begin to drop. That said, a post-lunch slump can hit hard, and a cup between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. may help you stay focused.
Caffeine stays in your system for about five to six hours, so drinking it too late can affect your sleep even if you do not realise it. If you are sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping, it is best to avoid coffee after 4 p.m.
How Much Is Too Much?
Healthy adults are advised to consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day - about 2 to 3 cups of brewed coffee, 4 to 5 cups of kopi, or 5 cans of caffeinated soft drinks.
It is best to spread your intake throughout the day rather than drinking too much at once. More caffeine does not always mean more energy and overdoing it can lead to restlessness, headaches, a racing heart or poor sleep.
Watch The Sugar
Coffee alone is almost calorie-free, but drinks like kopi peng, caramel macchiatos and flavoured lattes can have a lot of sugar. A typical iced flavoured coffee can have 20g to 40g of sugar, similar to a soft drink. If you want to reduce sugar, try ordering "siew dai" or switch to kopi o kosong. For café drinks, ask for half syrup or choose unsweetened plant-based milks.
If you are working in DUO Towers and need a gentle afternoon lift, skip the overly sweet blends and try Calligraph Coffee’s Smoky Chocolate (#01-57) - smooth, bold and just the right kind of pick-me-up to carry you through the rest of your workday. Balanced energy never tasted this good.
