Why your coffee could be making you tired, not wired

Do you often feel a drop in energy, and does drinking your favorite espresso only worsen it? Discover the reason behind the sleepiness after coffee.

We usually drink coffee in the morning and the afternoon for a little boost. It's well known that coffee is supposed to decrease sleepiness and enhance concentration. So, why wouldn't it be the perfect pick-me-up during a grueling study session or another long work day? Yet, sometimes, a cup of coffee can have the opposite effect.

What does it mean when coffee makes you sleepy instead of energizing you? Could you possibly not tolerate coffee well? Did you know that your body's reaction to coffee can depend on your body mass? Discover why coffee might make you feel unwell.

For many, starting their day without a hot mug of coffee is unthinkable. They only feel awake after consuming it. But what if that vital energy boost never arrives, and you can only think about crawling back into bed? If you believe the solution is simply stronger coffee, think again. The issue might be something else entirely.

Coffee is celebrated for its favorable properties. It’s a source of B vitamins, enhancing concentration and fostering creative thinking. It’s even suggested that coffee lifts the mood, reducing depression risk.

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance. It stimulates the nervous system and interferes with adenosine, a vital sleep-wake cycle chemical that temporarily blocks its receptors, which induces sleepiness. However, this doesn’t stop adenosine production. Consequently, the stimulating effects of coffee may be brief, potentially leading to a resurgence of fatigue with added intensity.

As the body processes caffeine, adenosine activity increases, and brain function can slow, resulting in feelings of tiredness and lethargy. Caffeine also raises the level of cortisol — the stress hormone. Here, the response is similar; notably, the more a person weighs, the higher their cortisol levels may be. Thus, individuals with higher body mass might be more prone to feeling sleepy after coffee.

The issue could also be related to how your body handles sugar (which is absorbed faster than caffeine). Coffee laced with milk and sugar causes a substantial insulin release. Those with metabolic concerns may feel a brief spike in energy while drinking coffee, but soon after, they might find themselves exhausted, sluggish, and utterly depleted of energy. Headaches can also accompany this reaction.

If coffee makes you sleepy but you can’t bear to abandon your cherished espresso, consider changing your habits. Don’t consume more than the recommended 2 cups a day. Additionally, avoid additives like sugar, milk, or flavored syrups.