When is the best time to drink coffee? Experts say 9 to 11 a.m. is ideal
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When is the best time of day to drink coffee?
Koreans have a well-known love for coffee. According to market research firm Euromonitor, the average Korean consumed 416 cups of coffee in 2024 — the highest per capita rate in the Asia-Pacific region. That figure is about 1.5 times higher than that of Singapore (290 cups) and Japan (281 cups), which ranked second and third, respectively.
Professor Lee Jae-dong from the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion at Kyung Hee University Korean Medical Center said on Tuesday, “Coffee can be either a medicine or a toxin depending on when you drink it.” While coffee acts as an energy stimulant by directly affecting the body’s circadian rhythm, excessive intake or late-day consumption may lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, anxiety, cardiovascular problems and adrenal fatigue, he explained.
According to Lee, the optimal time to consume coffee is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., when it can enhance concentration and promote better blood circulation.
He warned against drinking coffee between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., as the body has not yet fully awakened after sleep. “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach during this time can force the body to use depleted energy reserves, potentially leading to fatigue and tension,” he said. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., digestive functions become active after breakfast. A small amount of coffee after a meal may be fine, but those with sensitive stomachs should be cautious.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., blood circulation and other bodily functions reach their peak. While it is fine to enjoy coffee based on personal preference, Lee noted, “Since the body already has sufficient energy, excessive caffeine intake at this time can overstimulate the system.”
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the body begins to shift into a relaxed state, and a small amount of coffee may help prevent drowsiness. However, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the body’s energy levels start to decline. Given caffeine’s half-life of about six hours, drinking coffee during this window can interfere with sleep later that night.
“Consuming coffee after 5 p.m. can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, disrupt sleep, increase fatigue and reduce concentration,” Lee said. “It’s best to avoid coffee after this time.”
Lee emphasized the importance of timing coffee consumption in line with the body’s natural rhythm. “We should stop viewing coffee as just a casual beverage and recognize it as something that affects our body’s energy flow,” he said. “It’s important to align coffee intake with the body’s daily rhythm.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.