Coffee – Are You Drinking Away Your Sleep?

Finland is, and likely always will be, a nation of coffee lovers. That morning cup is a pleasure, and coffee at celebrations is more of a rule than an exception. Coffee has an invigorating effect, and we often hope it will give us an extra boost to power through the day. Studies have shown that coffee can improve alertness, reaction time, and even working memory.

Evening coffee is a common habit among older generations. For some, it doesn’t interfere with sleep at all. But for others, it may subtly reduce both sleep quality and quantity. In fact, even coffee consumed in the afternoon can have a disruptive effect on sleep. Why is that? Read on to find out.

After a poor night’s sleep, we often turn to coffee for a pick-me-up – maybe even an extra cup or two. But these additional cups can overstimulate the body, making it harder to wind down in the evening. When this pattern repeats the next day, a vicious cycle begins. Coffee may actually be a hidden factor – or even a main cause – behind ongoing sleep issues.

Why does caffeine wake us up?

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is like the body’s “sleep sand,” responsible for making us feel tired. Adenosine levels gradually rise throughout the day, sending a signal to the brain that it’s time to rest. When you drink coffee, the effects of adenosine are blocked, which keeps your brain more alert. At the same time, heart rate increases, blood flow improves, and breathing becomes faster. It’s no wonder that people who are sensitive to caffeine may feel restless – or even anxious – after consuming it.

Why do we react differently to coffee?

Our genetics play a major role. The rate at which caffeine is metabolized in the body can vary significantly between individuals. Some people process caffeine faster, meaning they feel its effects more strongly and for a shorter duration. For others, caffeine can linger in the system for a long time before being fully eliminated.

Caffeine’s effects usually last for several hours, but its half-life – the time it takes for half of the caffeine in the body to be broken down and excreted – varies from person to person. On average, the half-life is around 4–6 hours, but it can be shorter or longer depending on your body. That means it typically takes around 8–12 hours for caffeine to fully leave your system.

With Evogenom’s 28 € Caffeine Add-On, you can find out whether your body eliminates caffeine quickly, at a normal pace, or slowly. *You must have purchased one of the main packages in order to buy the add-on.

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