The Temperature Tango: How Your Evening Drink Might Be Winding You Up

Question: How does the temperature of my evening beverage affect my ability to fall asleep?

The Temperature Tango: How Your Evening Drink Might Be Winding You Up

As the day winds down and thoughts turn to relaxation, a warm, comforting beverage often finds its way into our evening routine. But have you ever considered how the temperature of that drink might be subtly influencing your ability to drift off to sleep? While the ingredients themselves, like caffeine, are well-known sleep disruptors, the temperature at which you consume your evening liquid refreshment could play a more nuanced role than you might imagine.

Beyond the Bean: Temperature’s Subtle Influence

The way we prepare and consume beverages, particularly those derived from coffee, involves a fascinating interplay of science and sensory experience. For instance, the creation of espresso foam, often referred to as crema, is influenced by various factors, including the composition of the coffee beans themselves. While the general belief is that robusta coffee is crucial for a good crema, research suggests it’s a more intricate relationship. Pure arabica espresso, with its potentially higher lipid content, might be more susceptible to foam destabilization [1].

The process of preparing coffee also impacts its chemical makeup. Studies on fermentation protocols, for example, have shown that aerobic and anaerobic treatments can positively influence pH, acidity, and the concentration of volatile compounds, which contribute to the overall flavor profile of coffee [3]. The altitude at which coffee beans are grown can also affect flavor precursors and sensory characteristics, demonstrating that even before your beverage reaches your cup, its inherent qualities are being shaped [5]. Furthermore, different coffee processing methods, like the washed process, have specific parameters that can influence the final product [4]. These intricate processes highlight how temperature, alongside other variables, can be a silent architect of our drink’s characteristics.

Coffee and Sleep: A Complex Relationship

When we think about beverages and sleep, coffee and its stimulating component, caffeine, are often the first culprits that come to mind. Indeed, research has shown that sugar-sweetened coffee consumption is significantly linked to poorer sleep quality [7]. This association underscores the importance of being mindful of caffeinated beverages, especially as the evening progresses.

However, the picture becomes more complex when we consider other aspects of coffee. Different botanical co-products from coffee plants are being explored for their unique qualities, with researchers examining their chemical composition and sensory attributes [4]. Similarly, the characterization of volatile compounds in coffee during fermentation reveals a rich tapestry of aromatic notes that contribute to its overall appeal [3]. Even the by-products of coffee production, like spent coffee grounds, are being investigated for their potential applications, suggesting a holistic view of the coffee plant’s influence [2]. While these studies focus on flavor and material science, they indirectly remind us of the multifaceted nature of coffee, moving beyond just its caffeine content.

The Physical Factor: Temperature and the Body

While specific research directly linking the temperature of an evening beverage to sleep quality is limited within the provided sources, we can infer potential indirect effects. Our body’s core temperature plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. A slight drop in body temperature is generally conducive to falling asleep [8]. Consuming a very hot beverage close to bedtime could temporarily raise core body temperature, potentially making it harder to initiate sleep. Conversely, a lukewarm or cool drink might have a less significant impact on thermoregulation.

The act of drinking itself, regardless of temperature, might also have subtle physiological effects. For instance, the consumption of certain beverages has been linked to changes in the body’s internal environment [7]. While not directly about temperature, this suggests that the simple act of ingesting a liquid can initiate responses that could, in turn, interact with our sleep mechanisms.

In conclusion, while direct evidence on how the precise temperature of your evening drink affects your sleep is not extensively detailed, the provided literature highlights the complex science behind beverages, particularly coffee. Factors like coffee bean varietals, processing methods, and the resulting chemical and sensory profiles are all influenced by various parameters, including temperature. While caffeine is a known sleep disruptor, the physical act of consuming a beverage and its potential impact on body temperature could also be contributing factors to how easily you fall asleep. Being mindful of both the ingredients and the preparation of your evening drinks may offer a more holistic approach to optimizing your rest.

References

[1] — Ernesto Illy, Luciano Navarini — Neglected Food Bubbles: The Espresso Coffee Foam. — 2011-Sep — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21892345/ [2] — Magdalena Zdanowicz, Marta Rokosa, Magdalena Pieczykolan, Adrian Krzysztof Antosik, Katarzyna Skórczewska — Biocomposites Based on Wheat Flour with Urea-Based Eutectic Plasticizer and Spent Coffee Grounds: Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Study of Their Influence on Plant Growth. — 2024-Mar-06 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38473683/ [3] — Gustavo Galarza, Jorge G Figueroa — Volatile Compound Characterization of Coffee ( — 2022-Mar-21 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35335365/ [4] — Katarína Poláková, Alica Bobková, Alžbeta Demianová, Marek Bobko, Judita Lidiková, Lukáš Jurčaga, Ľubomír Belej, Andrea Mesárošová, Melina Korčok, Tomáš Tóth — Quality Attributes and Sensory Acceptance of Different Botanical Coffee Co-Products. — 2023-Jul-11 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37509767/ [5] — Rongsuo Hu, Fei Xu, Xiao Chen, Qinrui Kuang, Xingyuan Xiao, Wenjiang Dong — The Growing Altitude Influences the Flavor Precursors, Sensory Characteristics and Cupping Quality of the Pu’er Coffee Bean. — 2024-Nov-28 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39682914/ [6] — Rongsuo Hu, Fei Xu, Liyan Zhao, Wenjiang Dong, Xingyuan Xiao, Xiao Chen — Comparative Evaluation of Flavor and Sensory Quality of Coffee Pulp Wines. — 2024-Jun-27 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38999011/ [7] — Lydi-Anne Vézina-Im, Dominique Beaulieu, Stéphane Turcotte, Anne-Frédérique Turcotte, Joannie Delisle-Martel, Valérie Labbé, Lily Lessard, Mariane Gingras — Association between Beverage Consumption and Sleep Quality in Adolescents. — 2024-Jan-18 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257178/