When should you have your first cup of coffee of the day?

Raise your hand if you can barely start your day without that heavenly sip of java! Many of us depend on coffee to wake up, stay focused, and get through our to-do lists.

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But, here comes the tricky part. The Internet is abuzz with "experts" telling you not to have coffee this time and that time and reduce the intake etc. And if that bothers you, keep reading.

When to have your first cup

Believe it or not, the best time for your first cup isn't right when you roll out of bed. Here's why: our bodies follow a natural rhythm called the circadian clock. This internal clock controls the release of cortisol, a hormone that makes us feel alert.

Cortisol levels are naturally high when you wake up, typically between 6 am and 10 am, peaking around 8-9 am. So, if you down a cup of coffee during this peak, you might not get full energy, and it could even lead to building up a tolerance.

Dr Mukesh Mehra, director - internal medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi says, “The ideal time for your first cup of coffee is between 9.30 am and 11.30 am. This timing aligns with the natural dip in cortisol levels, which are high upon waking and start to decrease mid-morning.”

How timing coffee helps with caffeine tolerance