Does Drinking Coffee Before Bed Increase Metabolism?

Coffee drinks may have surprising health benefits.

Once considered an unhealthy drink for its high caffeine content, coffee may not be so bad after all. Newer studies show that drinking coffee may have health benefits such as increased metabolism.

Increased Metabolism

Many coffee drinkers have a cup in the morning to provide a jolt of energy and increased concentration. These stimulating benefits of coffee are also linked to a short-term increase in metabolic rate. The caffeine in two cups of coffee can burn up to 50 additional calories per hour, over the next four hours.

When to Drink It

Drinking coffee at a specific time, such as before bed, doesn't add any advantage to the metabolism-boosting effects of coffee. Coffee seems to affect different people differently, but most advice suggests not consuming coffee for at least four hours before bedtime to ensure a good night's sleep. The metabolic effects of coffee, however, seem to be linked to its caffeine.

How to Prepare It

For the best results, if you're drinking coffee to boost metabolism, drink it black. Adding the calories present in sugar, milk or cream to your coffee may end up canceling out any calorie-burning effects.

References

• Web MD: 10 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism
• Web MD: 12 Tips for Better Sleep in Troubled Times