Best time to drink a cup of coffee: 10.30am

Scientists have worked out the best time to drink a cup of coffee to get your daily hit of caffeine is between 9.30am and 11.30am, according to neuroscientists. It may seem that a cup of strong coffee first thing in the morning is the best way to get yourself going, but in fact waiting until later may be better.

            This is due to the way caffeine interacts with a key hormone – called cortisol – which helps to regulate the body’s own internal clock and promotes alertness. Cortisol levels are naturally high shortly after waking up and can remain high for up to an hour afterwards – with the average peak being between 8am and 9am.

            Steven Miller, a neuroscientist at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, argues it is better to then drink caffeine after this peak as it promotes cortisol production.  He said that drinking coffee while levels of this hormone are high can cause people to develop a tolerance of the caffeine it contains, meaning they often need an extra shot in their morning cup to get the same effect.

            Other scientists have found that drinking coffee in the afternoon can help to offset lapses in attention that occur after a large lunch. Mr Miller said: “Although your cortisol levels peak between 8 and 9am, there are a few other times where blood levels peak again – between noon to 1pm, and 5.30 to 6.30pm”

            However, the exact time of when to drink that morning cup of coffee will vary from person to person depending on their cortisol cycle and the time when they normally get up in the morning. Early risers may find their ideal time is earlier than those who get to enjoy a lie in.

                Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a. Cortisol makes us be more attentive.

b. Cortisol levels are higher just before we wake up.

c. Having a big afternoon meal affects our levels of concentration.

d. The later you get up, the later you need a cup of coffee.

                Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.

a. Why is it better to wait until you drink your first cup of coffee?

b. What may happen when you drink coffee just after you wake up?

                Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

a. caused by par. 2

b. highest point par. 2

c. to boost par. 3

d. to neutralize par.4

e. to differ par.5

                Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a. Despite drinking coffee when he gets up, he doesn't concentrate in his work.

                Although...

b.  Mr Miller said: “Although your cortisol levels peak between 8 and 9am, there are a few other times where blood levels peak again.”

            Mr Miller said that...

c. Drinking coffee promotes cortisol production.

                Cortisol...

                Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

                “A good night's sleep helps us to be active.” Do you agree? Why? Why not?