The Truth About Coffee Before Bed.

For years, we've been told to steer clear of coffee after dinner, warned that even a single cup could doom us to a night of tossing and turning. But is this universally true, or just another well-brewed myth? The reality is more nuanced. Caffeine is a stimulant, yes, but its effects can vary dramatically depending on your metabolism, tolerance, and even your genetics. Some people are slow metabolizers of caffeine and feel jittery hours after a single espresso; others can sip a dark roast at 10 p.m. and fall asleep by 10:30. The half-life of caffeine (the time it takes your body to eliminate half of it) averages around 5 to 6 hours, but for some, it's shorter.

Interestingly, research shows that a late-day cup of coffee doesn’t always disrupt sleep in the ways we assume. Habitual drinkers often build a tolerance to caffeine’s alertness-boosting effects. And for night owls or those with irregular schedules, a warm cup before bed might even become a soothing ritual. Of course, if you notice your sleep suffers after a nighttime brew, it’s wise to cut back or opt for decaf. But if you’re one of the lucky ones who can drift off without trouble, go ahead – fill that Anthora cup, take one last sip, and head off to dreamland.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the iconic Anthora coffee cup – a true symbol of New York City’s street culture, corner delis, and daily rituals – NY Coffee Cup celebrates its enduring design, cultural significance, and place in coffee history, both in NYC and beyond.