Health experts advise against drinking coffee immediately upon waking

Consuming coffee immediately upon waking may not be the most beneficial timing due to the body's natural biological processes. Upon waking, the body naturally increases the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and stress responses. Because cortisol levels are naturally high in the early morning, caffeine may not provide significant additional alertness and could instead trigger anxiety, restlessness, or rapid heartbeat in sensitive individuals.

Furthermore, drinking black coffee on an empty stomach after a poor night's sleep can negatively impact blood sugar management. Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates that caffeine can stimulate adrenaline release, prompting the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. When combined with sleep deprivation, this can impair the body's ability to control blood sugar levels following breakfast.

Health experts suggest delaying coffee consumption until mid-morning, ideally between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, when cortisol levels begin to decline. This allows time for essential morning activities such as hydration and eating breakfast.