Coffee lovers know how important a cup of coffee is to function properly during the day. It helps us feel revived and mentally prepares us to take on tasks and a lot of chores, right? But there are some days when, instead of giving us energy and making us feel powered up, coffee can sometimes make us feel sleepy too. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Keep reading to know!
Why Does Coffee Sometimes Make You Feel Sleepy
“Do not drink coffee during the evening, or else you will not be able to sleep during the night.” This is something many of us are told when we try to sneak into the kitchen after 6 pm to make ourselves a coffee. Because naturally, coffee has caffeine, which acts as a stimulant and blocks the chemical in our brain that is responsible for making us sleepy: adenosine.
Moreover, coffee is also fast-acting. This means it gets absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and can make us feel alert within an hour. This is why many people who work or study late at night rely on cups after cups of black coffee. But sometimes, many people can feel sleepy instead of awake after having coffee. Have you ever wondered the reason behind this?
One of the primary reasons is high caffeine tolerance. Yes, you read that right. Regular coffee drinkers develop a tolerance to caffeine. This means the coffee that once helped them stay alert no longer helps the same way.
Also Read: Did You Know The Tiny Holes On Lids Of Coffee Takeaway Cups Are Not Just For Design?
How To Avoid This Paradox From Happening
According to Verywell Health, regular coffee drinkers may need more caffeine to stay alert as their bodies slowly become used to it. If a coffee lover has developed a tolerance, then it is possible that coffee can make them feel tired very soon. In simple language, this basically means that you would require more coffee to feel the same alertness, which is, of course, not really recommended.
Moreover, genetics can also play a big role. Some individuals are naturally more tolerant to caffeine’s effects. According to the Sleep Foundation, sometimes drinking a lot of coffee can also backfire. Drinking too much coffee before bed can impact sleep, which in turn can make you sleepy the next day, no matter how much caffeine you drink. The more you drink coffee, the sleepier you may feel the next day.
How Can You Stop Coffee From Making You Sleepy?
To stop coffee from making you sleepy, you can follow some simple rules:
- Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach
- Do not make your coffee too sweet
- Keep yourself hydrated with water, as coffee is a diuretic
- Stop drinking coffee 6-8 hours before you sleep
Also Read: CT Review: I Tried Delhi’s First Omakase Coffee Experience At Libertario & It Was Unlike Anything!
Does coffee make you feel sleepy, too?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ AntonioGuillem
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Why does coffee make you sleepy?
Coffee can make you sleepy if your body has developed a caffeine tolerance.
Is black coffee healthy?
Yes, black coffee can be healthy when consumed in moderation and without too much sugar.
How to reduce coffee intake?
To reduce coffee intake, try drinking coffee in small cups and avoiding it late in the evening.