Coffee is an integral part of life for many, from morning rituals to mid-afternoon indulgences and beyond. Coffee can provide many health benefits including increased energy, improved athletic performance and faster digestion; yet drinking too close to bedtime may disrupt sleep and disrupt restful rest. Here we explore both benefits and risks associated with drinking coffee at nighttime, along with tips for when it’s appropriate.

Americans love coffee, with most drinking it daily as part of their morning commute or enjoying an afternoon cappuccino. Some adults may wonder whether or not it is safe to drink coffee in the evening; if so, when would be an appropriate time?

Coffee may help ease anxiety during the day by decreasing cortisol levels that rise with stress; but at nighttime it may cause sudden surges in blood pressure and nervousness that make falling asleep difficult, leading to poor-quality rest that has been linked with various health conditions including depression and high blood pressure.

Limiting caffeine intake is important as it can become addictive and disrupt your natural sleep cycle. For optimal results, caffeine should be avoided at least six hours before bedtime; however, some individuals are less sensitive to its effects, and can consume small amounts in the morning without negatively affecting their slumber.

Recent research published in the European Heart Journal revealed that adults who consumed moderate amounts of coffee in the morning were 16% less likely to die than those who avoided it, due to higher physical activity levels and overall improved health. If you need your morning fix, but desire evening coffee as well, Zumpano recommends sipping slowly alongside food to minimize caffeine absorption.

Not only should you limit caffeine intake and follow a nutritious diet, it’s essential that you get sufficient restful sleep each night if you want your mind and body to remain healthy. Aim for eight hours of uninterrupted restful slumber each night by discontinuing consumption of caffeine by 4 PM at the latest – giving your body enough time to unwind before heading off to bed for a good night’s restful slumber.