Dr. Deborah Lee, in collaboration with Get Laid Beds, suggests the ideal time to drink your first coffee is at least 45 minutes after waking up to avoid interfering with peak cortisol levels, which naturally occur early in the morning. Cortisol, a stress hormone, plays various roles including regulating blood sugar, controlling blood pressure, and combating inflammation. Consuming coffee when cortisol is high may lessen the effects of caffeine over time and impact the immune system. The best time for a coffee break is mid-to-late morning when cortisol levels dip and an energy slump is likely. Lee advises against drinking coffee at least six hours before sleep and recommends abstaining from all caffeine after 3 p.m. to ensure it doesn't disrupt sleep patterns.
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