Your Morning Coffee Really Does Make You Happier, Science Confirms

Good news for coffee lovers: scientists have once again found evidence that your daily cup of coffee (or tea, because it also contains caffeine, of course!) can actually improve your mood. The effect seems to be greatest, especially in the first hours after getting up.

This is evident from a study by Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick, published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.

Large-Scale Study Among Young Adults

The scientists conducted several investigations. A total of 236 young adults (aged 18 to 29) participated, completing short questionnaires on their phones several times a day for two to four weeks. The study focused on caffeine consumption in everyday life, not just in artificial laboratory settings.

The participants reported:

• Whether they had consumed caffeine in the past 90 minutes
• How happy, enthusiastic, or sad they felt
• How tired they were
• Whether they were alone or in company
• How they had slept

Based on thousands of data points, the researchers saw a clear pattern: people felt happier on average after drinking coffee or tea.

Biggest Effect is in the Morning

The timing of caffeine consumption proved crucial. The positive effect on mood was strongest in the first two and a half hours after waking up. This effect decreased later in the day, before increasing slightly in the late evening. Researchers at the University of Warwick found that caffeine-drinkers regularly report a better mood after a cup of coffee or tea in the first 2.5 hours of the day.

What Happens in Your Brain?

But why do we feel better after a cup of coffee? According to Professor Anu Realo of the University of Warwick, caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain. This increases dopamine activity in brain areas involved in mood and alertness. This process has been linked to improved mood and greater alertness.

Another explanation is a mild withdrawal effect. Even moderate coffee drinkers may experience mild withdrawal symptoms overnight. These symptoms disappear as soon as the first cup is drunk, which can enhance the feeling of a boost.

Consistent Effects Across Individuals

Interestingly, the study found that the mood-boosting effects of caffeine were fairly consistent across different individuals. Researchers were surprised to find no significant differences between people with varying levels of caffeine consumption or differing degrees of depressive symptoms, anxiety, or sleep problems.

The researchers had initially expected that individuals with higher levels of anxiety might experience negative mood changes after consuming caffeine, but this wasn’t consistently the case.

Both studies received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of Bielefeld University (reference number 2020-138 and 2022-063).