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Are you getting the most out of your morning cup of coffee? According to scientific studies, most people aren’t. Most professional workers tend to drink coffee right after waking up, with many reaching for the pot before brushing their teeth. With the aroma of coffee lowering stress levels of those who are sleep-deprived, it makes good sense why we are immediately drawn to our mug.

However, you might be shorting the effects of your coffee. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. for those on a 9-5 schedule, cortisol levels are at their peak. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, but it is also associated with alertness levels. Upon waking up, the body starts producing cortisol to help you naturally wake up. Having caffeine while your body is building to or when it is at its peak level of cortisol levels means a less effective cup of joe.

Caffeine should be used as a boost for alertness rather than a solution for waking up, as the body does a better job on its own than often given credit. Other times cortisol levels are at their peak are been noon and 1 p.m., and again between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. So rather than trying to beat the afternoon slump with a lunchtime caffeine fix, it serves better to have your second cup halfway through your morning.

Other Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Coffee

• If you drink more than one cup a day, having a cup or less per hour gives you more caffeine boost for the amount consumed. This can also help lower caffeine consumption, leading to health benefits.
• Go through your morning routine first, then pour a cup. This will let your body naturally produce cortisol and can lead to better alertness through the day.
• Know the onset and duration. Caffeine takes about 15 to 45 minutes to reach its peak levels, depending on your body, and has a half-life of approximately five to six hours. This means a 10-ounce cup of coffee, which has about 250 milligrams of caffeine, will still leave 125 milligrams by 1 p.m.
• Smokers have a half-life of only three hours, which means they will often need that second cup halfway through their morning.

No matter what time of day it is, you can stay alert with delicious coffee vending options from Bevco Service, Inc. Contact us today!