Some of us can’t imagine a life without coffee and the promise of a freshly brewed cup is the motivating force that gets us out of bed in the morning and helps us power through an afternoon slump. But how long does it actually take for caffeine to kick in? Dietitian Maddie Pasquariello says it generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour to be fully absorbed into our systems, but some studies show it can be felt in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
But on mornings when you’re dragging, you may wish your caffeine would kick in even faster. And luckily, there are a few ways to make that happen:
- Drink coffee on an empty stomach - This is one of the most effective ways to get a stronger hit of caffeine without upping your intake. Of course, no one’s suggesting you skip meals to boost your energy, but if you don’t eat before your first cup of joe, you’ll probably feel the effects sooner.
- Drink it black - Skipping the milk or cream in your coffee can also help you feel the perky buzz faster, Pasquariello says.
- Opt for stronger brews - You can always switch up the type of coffee you make to get more bang per cup. Cold brew coffee is typically brewed stronger than drip coffee, so a large glass of it should get you going quicker.
- Drink coffee before a power nap - If you really want to feel more energized, take a 15 to 20 minute power nap after finishing your coffee. That way when you wake up from your “nappuccino,” your caffeine will start kicking soon after.
Source: Well and Good