ESPThere's a reason that first cup of coffee can feel like it changes your outlook on the entire morning. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it acts on the central nervous system. In moderate amounts, it can increase alertness, attention and energy—and for some people, it can provide a temporary lift in mood. But when it comes to caffeine, how much you drink—and how your individual body responds—matters.
Too much caffeine can have the opposite effect you're looking for. Instead of feeling energized and focused, you may feel jittery, restless or anxious. Some people are much more sensitive to caffeine than others and may notice these effects after only a cup or two.
Caffeine consumed later in the day can make it harder to fall asleep or interfere with sleep quality. Poor sleep can leave you tired, irritable and less able to cope with stress the following day—which can lead to reaching for even more coffee.
Rather than focusing only on the number of cups you drink, pay attention to how coffee affects you. If you enjoy coffee, sleep well and don't experience jitters or anxiety, your usual routine may work just fine. If you're feeling restless, having trouble sleeping or finding yourself relying on coffee just to make it through the day, consider cutting back or switching to decaf later in the day.
Coffee can give your morning a welcome boost. The key is knowing when you've had enough.
