Nothing tastes quite like the first sip of coffee during the morning. The only problem is – we may have been drinking it wrong for years.
Though we all turn to a strong brew to wake us up in the morning, an expert claimed we shouldn't drink it first thing. And, though this may confuse many people, there appears to be a good reason why.
Now the mornings are getting darker, many of us will experience a dip in energy levels. But reaching for a morning coffee within the first half an hour of waking may not be the answer to your prayers.
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Experts at Happy Beds claim Brits should stay clear of coffee within the first hour of waking up. Rex Isap, sleep expert and CEO at Happy Beds, said: "When it comes to the ideal time to have your first coffee, we might tend to reach for the kettle as soon as we wake up. Ideally, however, you want to wait an hour before waking to truly reap the benefits.
"When we wake, our cortisol levels are at their peak. Cortisol, often associated with stress, enhances your alertness levels. So, drinking caffeine while your cortisol levels are already high can work against this, or even help with gaining a tolerance for caffeine."
Rex continued: "During the day, your brain produces a chemical called adenosine. Essentially, this promotes sleep as you are awake longer – it builds up and helps you feel sleepy. But caffeine blocks the Adenosine receptors, which keeps you alert and promotes wakefulness. If you have ever struggled with sleeping after drinking coffee throughout the day, this could be why."
Typically coffee is the most popular energy-inducing drink for the majority of people in the morning – whether it’s iced or hot. But as previously mentioned, drinking it at a certain time can have a detrimental effect on your sleep.
For this reason, experts at Happy Beds revealed the top three alternatives you can switch your coffee for that will lead to better sleep.
Matcha
Matcha has been growing in popularity over the last few years, and TikTok has caused an astronomical increase in the number of people drinking it – making it a new health trend. New research conducted by the sleep experts at Happy Beds has discovered that the hashtag#matchatok raked in 189.8million views and counting, with people sharing how to find the best quality matcha and how to make it.
Matcha powder contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in the tea plant, and boasts five times more L-theanine than green tea, giving it a slightly sweet taste. This amino acid is tipped to improve sleep, focus and even learning. It does contain a small amount of caffeine, around 20mg to 44mg, depending on how it is brewed, so it might be best to drink this a few hours before bed to reap the benefits.
Turmeric lattes
Did you ever take a cup of hot milk to bed to help you sleep? A turmeric latte is also sometimes named golden milk and it is hugely popular, with the main ingredient of turmeric giving it that recognisable colour.
Turmeric has many health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and an effective antidepressant.
What’s more, turmeric can even help protect against sleep deprivation, meaning you could be more likely to experience improved sleep if you opt for this drink as part of your sleep routine.
Chicory root "coffee"
This is a great option for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake but still want to experience a cup of "coffee". This is made from roasted chicory root and boasts a nutty and woody aroma.
It's also very popular in France, India and New Orleans and it tastes similar to coffee, which lends itself as a placebo if you miss your coffee. It could improve your digestive health and inflammation, but there are limited studies on its safety for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so always research before trying something new.
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