We’ve all been there—waking up groggy and instinctively reaching for that first cup of coffee to jumpstart the day. But what if waiting a little longer could not only boost your energy but also help you avoid that mid-afternoon crash? According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, waiting around 90-120 minutes after waking before consuming caffeine can make a significant difference.
Here’s the science behind it: when you wake up, your body is naturally producing high levels of cortisol, a hormone that helps you feel alert. Cortisol levels peak about 30-45 minutes after you wake up and then gradually decline. Drinking caffeine immediately upon waking interferes with this natural rhythm. You get a short-lived burst of energy, but as your cortisol production decreases, you’re more likely to experience that energy slump we all dread.
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a chemical that builds up throughout the day and makes you feel sleepy. If you have caffeine right away, you may feel energized for a short time, but adenosine continues to accumulate. When the caffeine wears off, you crash—hard. By waiting 90-120 minutes, you allow your body’s natural energy systems to function first, avoiding that build-up of adenosine early in the day.
Want to keep that smooth, sustained energy all day long without the jitters but don’t want to give up a morning cuppa?
It turns out you can have your cake and eat it too. Try having Shakao as your first morning cuppa within the first 90 mins of waking. Our blend of organic cacao and warming spices provides a gentle, grounded lift that won’t leave you crashing by mid-afternoon. Unlike coffee, Shakao’s cacao contains Theobromine, which offers a calmer, longer-lasting energy boost—perfect for getting through the day without feeling overstimulated. Cacao is also high in magnesium which can produce a calming effect (read: energy without the jitters).
Start your day by giving your body what it needs first, sunlight, water and some light movement, then swap out that first morning coffee with Shakao for a smooth, sustained energy that lasts.
Ready to switch up your morning routine? Learn more about Shakao here.
Shot Snippet from Dr. Andrew Huberman about caffeine timing.
https://ai.hubermanlab.com/clip?sids=chunk_49350&sids=chunk_49011&sids=chunk_50693&sids=chunk_49022&sids=chunk_144036&sids=chunk_49014
