January 8, 2025 from BBC News
If you’re a morning coffee drinker, you may be doing more than just waking yourself up — you could be reducing your risk of heart disease and early death, according to new research. A study conducted by researchers at Tulane University found that drinking coffee in the morning is associated with better heart health and a lower risk of mortality, while all-day coffee drinkers did not experience the same benefits.
What the Study Revealed
The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 40,725 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the U.S. between 1999 and 2018. Participants were asked about:
- Their coffee consumption habits
- How much coffee they drank
- What time of day they consumed coffee
The participants were tracked for nearly a decade, with researchers analyzing their medical records and causes of death over this period.
Key Findings:
- Morning coffee drinkers had a 16% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers.
- Morning coffee drinkers were 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
- All-day coffee drinkers did not experience the same reduction in risk compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Dr. Lu Qi, the lead researcher and director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center, emphasized that while the study shows a strong association, further research is needed to determine whether changing the time of day when people drink coffee could influence these outcomes.
Why Does Timing Matter?
The study suggests that circadian rhythms — the body’s internal clock regulating sleep, metabolism, and hormones — may play a role in explaining these findings. Dr. Qi stated that
“A possible explanation is that consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening may disrupt circadian rhythms and alter levels of hormones such as melatonin. This, in turn, leads to changes in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure.”
Prof. Thomas F. Luscher from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London echoed this sentiment in an accompanying editorial, noting that sympathetic activity (which puts the body on alert) peaks in the morning but decreases throughout the day. Drinking coffee later in the day may disrupt this natural rhythm, interfering with the body’s ability to rest and restore itself.
The Impact of Circadian Disruption
Drinking coffee later in the day may interfere with sleep by suppressing melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep. Studies have shown that chronic sleep disturbances can lead to:
- Increased blood pressure
- Higher levels of inflammation
- Greater risk of cardiovascular disease
All-day coffee drinkers, who may consume coffee into the afternoon and evening, were also more likely to experience sleep disruptions, contributing to long-term cardiovascular risks.
Does the Amount of Coffee Matter?
Interestingly, the study also found that higher amounts of coffee consumption were associated with lower mortality risk — but only among morning coffee drinkers. Those who drank coffee throughout the day did not experience the same benefits, reinforcing the idea that timing matters just as much as the quantity consumed.
Limitations and Need for Further Research
While the findings are promising, Dr. Qi stressed that this was an observational study, which means it cannot prove causation. The study did not account for other lifestyle factors that could influence health outcomes, such as diet, physical activity, or smoking status.
“We need clinical trials to test the potential impact of changing the time of day when people drink coffee,” Dr. Qi said.
What Does This Mean for Coffee Drinkers?
If you’re looking to optimize the health benefits of your coffee habit, it may be best to stick to morning coffee consumption. While moderate coffee consumption has already been linked to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, this study adds a new layer — suggesting that timing may enhance these benefits.
- Drink coffee in the morning to align with your body’s natural rhythms.
- Limit coffee consumption later in the day to avoid disrupting sleep and increasing cardiovascular risk.
- Moderate intake may provide additional benefits, but excessive coffee consumption may have diminishing returns.
The study from Tulane University reinforces that when you drink your coffee may be just as important as how much you drink. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the current evidence suggests that morning coffee drinkers may enjoy better heart health and a lower risk of mortality — giving you one more reason to savor that first cup of the day.
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