Is Your Morning Coffee Making You More Tired?

Ever feel like you need coffee to wake up… but then crash hard a few hours later?

You’re not imagining it!

There’s a reason that your morning cup of coffee might actually be making you more tired in the long run.

It all comes down to cortisol—the hormone that helps regulate your energy, stress, and metabolism.

Let’s break it down:

What Happens When You Drink Coffee First Thing in the Morning 👇

Your body naturally spikes cortisol in the morning to wake you up.

This is a good thing—it’s part of your body’s natural energy rhythm.

But when you drink coffee first thing (especially on an empty stomach), here’s what happens:

❌ You can get a huge spike in cortisol, potentially making you feel even more wired and anxious.

❌ It can force you to produce more stomach acid which can lead to acid reflux or other digestive issues.

❌ It can disrupt your blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and cravings later in the day.

Over time, this can mess with your body’s ability to regulate energy naturally—which means you may end up more tired.

Now this doesn’t mean you have to give up coffee—but how and when you drink it matters.

Here’s a simple 3-step fix for better energy (without the crash):

1. Wait 60-90 minutes before your first cup. Let your body’s natural cortisol do its job first.
2. Pair your coffee with food. Have protein & healthy fats first (like eggs & avocado, or Greek yogurt & nuts) to prevent energy crashes.
3. Hydrate first. Drink a full glass of water with a pinch of sea salt before coffee to support hydration & energy balance.

The bottom line? 

Coffee isn’t bad—but how you drink it can make a huge difference in your energy levels.

If you feel like you’re tired all the time, try adjusting when and how you drink caffeine and see how your energy shifts.

Your body is designed to create its own steady, lasting energy—you just have to work with it, not against it.

Give these a try this week, and see if you notice a difference. Even small tweaks can lead to big improvements in how you feel!

Make it an amazing day,
The Method3 Fitness Team