Is Your Woman Impulsive? Study Reveals Nighttime Coffee Could Be The Reason

A common stereotype is that women tend to be emotional or impulsive, but that varies from person to person. Interestingly, a new study suggests one surprising factor might be behind some impulsive behaviours in women: drinking coffee at night. Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) found that consuming caffeine during nighttime hours can increase impulsivity, especially in females. Read ahead to find out how the research adds more to the assumption. 

What the Study Found

The findings, published in the journal, reveal how the timing of caffeine intake could affect decision-making and risk-taking behaviours differently based on gender. The study used fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), a common model for understanding human neurological behaviour because of their genetic similarities. Scientists tested how caffeine consumed at different times, day versus night, affected the flies’ responses to a strong airflow, which normally causes them to stop moving as a survival reflex. Flies that had caffeine at night were far more likely to behave recklessly and ignore danger signals. This effect was especially strong in female flies, who showed about 73% more impulsive behaviour than males.

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Why Nighttime Coffee Affects Women More

Although fruit flies don’t have human hormones like estrogen, researchers discovered genetic and physiological differences that make females more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine at night. Professor Kyung-An Han from UTEP said these variations are linked to genetic wiring rather than hormonal influence, though further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms.

This means that women who consume coffee late at night might experience more difficulty controlling impulses, leading to riskier decision-making. For people working night shifts or staying up late, this could pose real challenges beyond just trouble sleeping.

What This Means for You

• The study implies that women who drink coffee late at night may find it harder to control impulses, and thus they will make riskier decisions. This might prove serious problems for the individuals who are employed to work at night or those people who do not sleep early.
• Be aware that coffee consumption taken at night can cause disturbances in not only your sleep, but behaviour, too, should you belong to the female gender.
• It may be worth limiting caffeine post-dark so as to lessen instances of making hasty decisions.
• Individuals who work night shifts, healthcare professionals, and students who use caffeine late at night should be alert to timing and the related impact on judgment.

However, it requires further research in human beings, but such a study already gives an indication that timing caffeine intake can help in mental and behavioural health.

Simple Tips to Avoid Nighttime Impulsivity

• Reduce Coffee or other drinks containing caffeine in the evenings after an early night.
• Use herbal tea as a relaxation option at night.
• Look into how you feel and change with caffeine.
• Good Sleep Hygiene is essential, so prioritise that in order to lessen late-night stimulants.

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Conclusion

What this study clearly indicates is that time is everything, and women, in particular, should take note of this, especially when applying to coffee. It may not only help you stay awake at night; caffeine can also escalate impulsive behaviour and make poor decisions. The given information about this connection will inform you about wiser decisions about the time and amounts of caffeine intake. The next time you reach out or have that late-night cup of coffee, think twice because your brain could hug you with gratitude.