Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it true that the caffeine in coffee can help increase levels of alertness and attentiveness?
A: Yes. Many well-conducted studies demonstrate the effects of caffeine in coffee and other beverages and increased alertness.

Q: Can drinking coffee lead to better work performance?
A: Yes. As the caffeine in coffee helps enhance alertness and attentiveness, this can lead to better performance at work.

Q: What about mood, I have read somewhere that caffeine improves mood, is this true?
A: Yes. Caffeine impacts positively on alertness and performance, and this in turn can help elevate overall mood.

Q. Is the post lunch dip a true phenomenon? If so does coffee help?
A. Our bodies experience/have what is known as a 'circadian rhythm', often referred to as our body clock. The circadian rhythm goes through highs and lows throughout the day, and one of the lows is in the early afternoon – this
has been called the 'post-lunch dip' though in actual fact has nothing to do with lunch. The caffeine in a cup or two of coffee is sufficient to increase your levels of alertness and by doing so to keep you going through the afternoon.

Q: Is it true that coffee can reduce driver tiredness?
A: It is well documented that a couple of cups of coffee and a short nap are the most effective method of alleviating driver fatigue. Many road accidents occur as a result of a driver falling asleep at the wheel so yes, coffee may be improve road safety. Road safety organisations advise drivers to pull over, drink one or two cups of strong coffee and take a 15 minute nap.

Q: If caffeine is a stimulant, how will I have a short nap after drinking 2 cups of strong coffee?
A: The stimulant effects of caffeine take about 15 – 20 minutes before they are noticeable, so you have your nap and then wake feeling revived, as the caffeine will be working.

Q. Will coffee help me 'recover' from jet lag?A. Following a long plane journey, the caffeine in one or two cups of coffee can help you to remain awake/alert when you reach your destination until it is time for bed. Coffee is also a good source of fluid so it will help keep you hydrated which will also ease the feelings associated with jet lag.

Q. I don't understand how coffee can be stimulating, as I often enjoy relaxing with a cup of coffee?
A. Both are true. The effect of coffee depends on several things. When you are not quite awake, as may happen when you are getting up in the morning, the caffeine in coffee will raise your level of alertness. When you are already alert and active, it may over stimulate you and in some cases, the body responds to that state by dampening down its own metabolism. That would explain why coffee might relax you. The other relaxing effect of coffee is the psychological effects resulting from giving your body and mind a “treat” by having a coffee break.

Q. I don't drink coffee for the effects of caffeine. I just like it for its warmness, taste and flavour?
A. Most people drink coffee primarily because they enjoy the warmth, the aroma and the taste of a nice cup of coffee. The stimulating effect is usually a much appreciated plus. At times when the stimulating effect is not desirable, decaffeinated coffee is an enjoyable alternative beverage