In the UK, coffee is a staple in our daily routines and we have a deep love affair with it. From the moment we wake up, to the mid-morning pick-me-up and the after-lunch espresso, coffee is there to help us power through our busy days. In fact, statistics show that the average person in the UK drinks around three cups of coffee per day, adding up to a staggering 95 million cups consumed daily nationwide. It's the go-to drink for millions of us to help us stay alert and focused, and the simple pleasure of savouring a hot drink is not to be underestimated.
However, with one in eight Britons (12%) reporting problems falling asleep every night according to YouGov, it's important to consider the effects of caffeine on sleep, especially when it forms such an integral part of our daily habits. While coffee can offer numerous health benefits, such as boosting energy levels, improving physical performance, and enhancing brain function, it's crucial to understand how caffeine can negatively impact the quality of sleep.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can interfere with sleep by increasing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and reducing the amount of slow-wave and REM sleep we experience. Slow-wave sleep is crucial for rejuvenating and repairing our bodies, while REM sleep is where our brains process and consolidate memories. These stages are vital for overall health and well-being, so it's essential to be mindful of how our caffeine consumption may be affecting them.
However, before you start losing sleep over your caffeine habits, moderate coffee consumption (between 3-4 cups a day) has been shown to offer numerous health benefits - such as reducing the risk of stroke and certain types of cancer. For those who want to enjoy the health benefits of coffee without negatively impacting their sleep, switching to decaffeinated coffee in the afternoon is a great option. Decaf coffee, produced using the Swiss Water process, still contains beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties, and may also be associated with a reduced risk of certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
At BEAR, we have been serving and delivering specialty coffee to thousands of customers throughout the UK since 2014. From single origin speciality grade Decaf coffee served in our stores, to the very same available as beans, freshly ground coffee or 100% compostable coffee pods from our online store, we offer a range of options for coffee lovers to enjoy their daily habits in a mindful and health-conscious way. You can find speciality grade, single origin Decaf coffee here.
Of course, we always recommend talking to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your daily caffeine intake. By being mindful of our caffeine intake, we can continue to enjoy the many health benefits of coffee while avoiding any negative effects on our sleep and well-being. As the age old saying goes: everything in moderation!
