31.10.25
Why Isn’t Coffee Working Anymore?
Ever chugged a strong cup of coffee and still felt tired? You’re not imagining it — coffee doesn’t always work the way we expect it to. Here’s why:
1. You’re running on empty
If your body has no energy (aka, you're hungry), caffeine has nothing to boost. Coffee isn’t a fuel — it’s more like an amplifier. When your tank is empty, it amplifies… the tiredness.
Instead of waking you up, it may actually make you feel more sluggish or even sleepy. Try pairing your coffee with a proper snack or breakfast — your brain needs glucose to function.
2. You’re overstressed
When you're under pressure, your body already produces cortisol, the stress hormone. Coffee increases it even more. If you're chronically stressed, this extra cortisol boost can backfire, leading to cortisol resistance—your body stops responding the way it should, and you feel even more drained.
What to do instead?
Eat first. Breathe. Try 10 minutes of rest or a walk. Then enjoy your coffee when your body can actually use it. Want smarter food timing tips like this?
Mealtune can help you plan your meals and snacks around your energy needs. It even suggests local cafes or meals near you based on your mood, activity level, and time of day.
If your body has no energy (aka, you're hungry), caffeine has nothing to boost. Coffee isn’t a fuel — it’s more like an amplifier. When your tank is empty, it amplifies… the tiredness.
Instead of waking you up, it may actually make you feel more sluggish or even sleepy. Try pairing your coffee with a proper snack or breakfast — your brain needs glucose to function.
2. You’re overstressed
When you're under pressure, your body already produces cortisol, the stress hormone. Coffee increases it even more. If you're chronically stressed, this extra cortisol boost can backfire, leading to cortisol resistance—your body stops responding the way it should, and you feel even more drained.
What to do instead?
Eat first. Breathe. Try 10 minutes of rest or a walk. Then enjoy your coffee when your body can actually use it. Want smarter food timing tips like this?
Mealtune can help you plan your meals and snacks around your energy needs. It even suggests local cafes or meals near you based on your mood, activity level, and time of day.
Olesia Kharinskaia
Mealtune founder. UX/UI designer, nutritionist enthusiast.