At Skyrocket Coffee, we’re all about kickstarting your day with the best cup of coffee possible. But now, science is giving us another reason to love our morning ritual — and it could have big benefits for your heart.
A fascinating new study published in the European Heart Journal has shown that drinking coffee in the morning (as opposed to sipping it all day long) may actually help protect your heart and lower your risk of death from cardiovascular disease. That’s right — your A.M. cup might be doing more than just waking you up.
Timing Matters: The Research Behind the Brew
The study, led by Dr. Lu Qi from Tulane University in New Orleans, analyzed data from over 40,000 U.S. adults who participated in a national health survey spanning nearly two decades. Participants shared what they ate and drank — including when and how much coffee they consumed — and researchers then tracked their health outcomes for nearly 10 years.
The results? Those who primarily drank coffee in the morning (before noon) had a 16% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who didn’t drink coffee at all. Meanwhile, those who sipped coffee throughout the day didn’t show the same protective benefits.
Why Morning Coffee Works Better
So, what makes morning coffee so special?
Dr. Qi believes it may have to do with our body’s natural circadian rhythms. Drinking coffee later in the day could disrupt sleep and hormonal cycles — especially melatonin production — potentially increasing inflammation and blood pressure, which are linked to heart disease. In contrast, morning coffee lines up with our body’s natural wake-up process, supporting a healthy boost in energy without disturbing our internal clock.
An editorial by Professor Thomas F. Lüscher from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London adds another layer of insight. He explains that in the morning, our nervous system is already ramping up, and caffeine may enhance that effect in a way that’s beneficial. By contrast, late-day coffee can interfere with rest and recovery, both essential for heart health.
Sip Smart, Sip Early
The takeaway? Whether you’re a two-cup-a-day type or someone who enjoys a bold brew with breakfast, drinking your coffee earlier in the day may be the heart-healthier choice. Heavy and moderate morning coffee drinkers saw the most benefits in the study — so feel free to enjoy that second cup (especially if it’s one of our organic, small-batch roasts 😉).
At Skyrocket, we’ve always believed that your morning cup can set the tone for a powerful day. Now, it looks like it could also set the tone for a longer life.
So here’s to the morning mug — drink up, and drink early!
References
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Wang, X. et al. “Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US adults.” European Heart Journal, 2025. Read the full study
- Lüscher, T.F. “Start your day with a morning coffee!” European Heart Journal, 2025. Read the editorial
