Caffeine has a half-life of about 5-6 hours, meaning half remains in your system that long after consumption.
If you drink a cup of coffee at 3 PM, roughly half that caffeine is still circulating at 9 PM. This explains why afternoon coffee can disrupt sleep even when you feel fine at bedtime. Individual metabolism varies significantly though—some people process caffeine faster, others slower. Understanding your own sensitivity helps you time your last cup appropriately.
A Note From Our Team
We’re coffee enthusiasts, not doctors—so here’s our honest perspective:
The research cited above comes from peer-reviewed studies, but science evolves. What we know about coffee and health has changed dramatically over the decades, and it’ll likely continue to evolve. We update our content when significant new findings emerge.
Everyone’s body responds differently to caffeine. Some of us on the team drink 4+ cups daily with zero issues; others get jittery after one. Pay attention to how YOU feel rather than following general guidelines blindly. Your body knows better than any study.