Getting a cup of coffee after supper may be an innocent indulgence or a cognitive pick-me-up before a late evening of studying or meeting a deadline. However, a recent study suggests that this behaviour may be having an impact beyond your sleep. Women who take in caffeine in the evenings may see increased impulsivity, and this can impact decision-making, mood regulation, and long-term mental health.
What Did the Study Find?
A new psychological and neuroscience study has highlighted a dramatic association between nighttime consumption of caffeine and heightened impulsivity in women. In their observations, the researchers saw that women who consumed coffee late at night were more inclined to have impulsive decisions, exhibit poor emotional regulation, and have less attention compared to those who did not consume it or consumed caffeine in the morning.
"Although caffeine is a recognised stimulant that is capable of exciting alertness and concentration temporarily, the timing of intake is also of vital importance. Women, as a result of fluctuating hormone levels as well as typically slower metabolism of caffeine by comparison to men, could be particularly sensitive to such effects at night," our expert Pooja Singh, Dietician at ShardaCare, Health City - Noida, explained.
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Impulsivity is more than sending your ex a text or shopping for things you don't need. Chronic impulsive behaviour can impact eating habits and sleep habits as well as risk-taking actions and emotional stability. Nighttime caffeine consumption can:
- Interferes with the quality of sleep, cutting into REM sleep and overall restfulness
- Interfere with mood-related neurotransmitters such as serotonin
- Increase emotional reactivity and decrease stress tolerance
- Exacerbate anxiety symptoms or symptoms of PMS-related mood changes
If you're constantly drinking coffee late at night, you may be unknowingly pushing your brain into overdrive when it needs to wind down.
Healthier Substitutes for Night Coffee
Try these five expert-approved milder, healthier drinks in place of that evening cup without giving up warmth, flavour, and purpose:
1. Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
Infused with anti-inflammatory goodness, this comforting mix of turmeric, warm milk, and spices such as cinnamon can soothe the nervous system and aid digestion.
2. Chamomile Tea
A staple for good reason, chamomile calms tension, induces sleep, and calms nerves—making it an ideal nightcap.
3. Ashwagandha Latte
This adaptogenic plant helps balance stress hormones and encourages improved sleep. Combine with warm nut milk for a soothing, down-to-earth drink.
4. Decaf Chicory Coffee
If you find yourself missing the bitter coffee taste, chicory root is an alternative that contains no caffeine but aids in digestion and does a very good job of tasting like coffee.
5. Peppermint Tea
Caffeine-free and refreshing, peppermint tea will calm the mind and decrease bloating and make for a wonderful evening routine.
Bottomline
While coffee has its rightful place in many people’s routines, women should be especially mindful of when they’re drinking it. That post-dinner pick-me-up might be subtly sabotaging your self-control and overall mental clarity. If you’ve noticed yourself being more irritable, impulsive, or restless at night, your caffeine habits could be a hidden culprit.