There’s no denying the mental and physical health benefits of coffee and tea. In fact, a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who drink four or more cups of coffee per day were 20% less likely to suffer from depression. And even though 54% of Americans over age 18 drink coffee every day, it’s not uncommon for the caffeine in coffee to affect your ability to fall asleep at night. If you’re worried about this happening to you, don’t worry; it’s easy to avoid. Here are just a few tips to help make sure your coffee consumption habits won’t keep you awake at night.
Start (and Stop) Earlier Each Day
According to the FDA, the caffeine in coffee is absorbed and circulated within 30 minutes to an hour; its effect can last up to six hours. Coffee enhances the energy levels of your brain, improving concentration and memory retention, leading to better cognitive performance. With that in mind, it’s important to realize that drinking coffee anytime after 5:00 or 6:00 could cause you to stay restless until midnight. That’s why experts recommend finishing your last cup o’ joe by no later than 2:00 in the afternoon. Or, at least switch over to decaf!
Reduce Consumption Throughout the Day
Many people tend to drink coffee at around the same pace each every day, but experts say there’s a better way. Try to drink more coffee earlier in the day, and then slow down as the day goes on.
“You’re most likely going to need caffeine early in the morning, when you’re probably feeling a bit groggy and need a boost. This is the best time to drink coffee if you need it. Later in the day, wean off the caffeine by opting for tea (tea with milk is a good substitute) or decaffeinated coffee so you can be caffeine-free by evening,” writes Melissa Chu on Medium.
Don’t Forget Tea
If you find that you’re still craving coffee, try to incorporate some more tea into your diet. It comes in countless varieties, and it’s not always as caffeinated as coffee, making it easier to control your caffeine intake.
So the next time you take a trip to your office’s coffee systems for work, keep these tips in mind to avoid the late night caffeine buzz and stay productive all day long. For more information about coffee systems for work, contact us today.