Should You Drink Coffee Before or After Breakfast?

Every morning, my alarm goes off at 5:04 a.m. (such is the life of a solo parent—early mornings often present the only chance for some distraction-free time). I hit the snooze button a couple of times, climb out of bed, and make a beeline for my coffee maker. There, a generous cup of coffee awaits me. A sprinkle of cacao powder, a splash of milk, and I’m all set to kickstart my day. This routine is a cherished part of my mornings, and my family knows that having my coffee in hand just minutes after waking up makes for a smoother day.

However, it turns out that my beloved morning ritual might be doing more harm than good—especially after a rough night’s sleep. Researchers from the University of Bath have discovered that consuming coffee before breakfast, particularly following a night of poor sleep, can negatively affect metabolic function and blood sugar levels. Their study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved observing 29 participants over three nights and revealed that drinking coffee after a bad night’s sleep increased blood glucose levels by approximately 50%. Glucose spikes can be a risk factor for conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

My immediate reaction was concern, followed by a sip of my still-steaming coffee as I contemplated my choices.

The Health Implications of Coffee on an Empty Stomach

For many coffee enthusiasts, these findings might seem surprising. After all, a bad night’s sleep often drives us to seek out that energizing cup of coffee. Unfortunately, our blood sugar levels aren’t on board with this logic. Professor Linda Carter, co-director of the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise, and Metabolism, who oversaw the study, pointed out that these findings could have “far-reaching health implications.” This is notable both on an individual level and globally, considering over two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily, with more than half of adults in the U.S. drinking coffee every day.

What’s Next?

If you’re like me and want to enjoy your cherished morning coffee while also being mindful of your health, you might feel a bit lost. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain your coffee habit while mitigating risk factors. The simplest solution, according to the study, is to have breakfast about an hour before your first cup of coffee. If that feels impractical, consider opting for a breakfast lower in carbohydrates, particularly sugars. This can help reduce or eliminate the blood glucose spikes observed in the study.

It’s also crucial to remember that these glucose spikes were primarily noted in participants who hadn’t slept well, further emphasizing the importance of quality sleep for overall health.

What to Do After a Bad Night’s Sleep

Let’s be honest—it’s 2021, and with ongoing pandemics, political and social turmoil, and climate concerns, disturbed sleep has become all too common. If you find yourself in a situation where coffee might not be the best choice after a sleepless night, what can you do instead? Staying hydrated is key, so drink plenty of water. Also, exposure to natural sunlight is beneficial. Dr. Emma Fisher, a sleep scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggests getting blue light exposure from the sun. Light exercise, a short nap, and working to return to your regular sleep schedule can also help you bounce back after a rough night.

A Silver Lining

Interestingly, the researchers found that a single night of inadequate sleep didn’t significantly alter participants’ blood glucose response compared to a night of good rest. While this might seem minor, it’s actually good news—it indicates that one poor night’s sleep doesn’t drastically impact metabolic effects.

I’ve always considered my morning coffee to be the highlight of my day. Thus, the results of this study are particularly disheartening. It’s tough to imagine changing my routine after years of having my coffee before I’m even fully awake, but knowledge is power. Now, I can make informed choices to minimize my risks, which is the best I can do.

If you’re looking for more information about home insemination, be sure to check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. For those interested in fertility options, visit Make a Mom for trusted solutions. And for further reading on home insemination kits, consider visiting this page.

Search Queries:

Summary

In conclusion, while many of us cherish our morning coffee rituals, recent research suggests that drinking coffee before breakfast—especially after a poor night’s sleep—can lead to significant blood sugar spikes. To balance our love for coffee with our health, it’s advisable to enjoy breakfast before that first cup. Staying hydrated, getting sunlight, and maintaining a healthy routine can also help mitigate the effects of a bad night’s sleep.