What Kind of Coffee Will Keep Me Awake?

Coffee has been a reliable companion for night shift workers for many years. It can help you stay alert and energized through the night. With various types of coffee available, you might be wondering “what kind of coffee will keep me awake?” The answer to this question is coffee that contains high levels of caffeine.

What Kind of Coffee Will Keep Me Awake?

The kind of coffee that will keep you awake is espresso. It contains more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. To get an extra energy boost and a stronger caffeine kick, you can also take a double shot.

Because of their caffeine boost, espresso shots are the best option to help you stay awake all night. The type of beans you use when making coffee can also impact how long you stay awake because different roasts contain different amounts of caffeine. Light roasted beans contain more caffeine because their roasting process takes a shorter time and they tend to retain more of the invigorating compounds.

A person showing what kind of coffee she will drink to keep her awake

Espresso

If you need something strong to get you into the flow state all night long, I highly recommend espresso shots. An ounce of espresso contains around 62 milligrams of caffeine. On the other hand, an ounce of regular coffee only contains 20 milligrams of caffeine.

The more caffeine, the more alertness and cognitive boost you’ll have. Increasing the number of espresso ounces you drink will increase the effects. Espresso has a strong flavor, so if you can’t stand the taste consider diluting it with water, which turns it into an Americano.

Other varieties of espresso to try are macchiato and cappuccino. They have a similar amount of caffeine, and the main difference is that they contain milk.

Instant Coffee

If you are wondering how to slash the time you put into coffee making, instant coffee is the answer. It is coffee that’s ground and dried to make powder granules. Instant coffee has around 39 milligrams of caffeine, whereas regular coffee has around 68 milligrams. So, while you don’t get as much caffeine, your drink will be ready faster.

Instant coffee will give you a quick caffeine fix when working late. All you have to do is bring your water to boil then add in the coffee powder. You can add milk and sugar to taste.

Regular Brewed Coffee

A regular cup of brewed coffee is a good option to give you energy during the night. A cup of regular brewed coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine. This is dependent on the roasting process, the coffee beans used, and your serving size.

Nonetheless, you might need several cups of regular coffee to stay sleepless. More cups means more runs to the restroom. Just choose an espresso. Some believe that Keto coffee helps improve cognitive function, so it might be a great coffee to try on nights you want to keep yourself awake.

How Does Caffeine Keep You Awake?

Caffeine keeps you awake by influencing the normal sleep-wake cycle. When you drink coffee, the caffeine in it enters the blood and travels to your brain.

While in the brain, caffeine interacts with neurotransmitters in ways that help you stay alert and sleepless. Specifically, caffeine blocks adenosine receptors which are elemental in helping you sleep. 

After an espresso shift at night, you will not feel sleepy until the caffeine wears out in your brain. You can take another shot and another one to bring your nocturnal endeavors to fruition.

Can I Stay Awake Without Coffee?

Yes, you can stay awake without coffee. However, you will need to drink a lot of water and energy drinks to stay alert and energetic through the night.

Other solutions to help you stay awake are herbal tea, green tea, black tea, and hot chocolate.

Here are other ways to  stay awake without coffee:

  • Eat a healthy snack
  • Drink lots of water
  • Work out daily
  • Engage in a conversation
  • Eat your breakfast
  • Avoid using electronics
a person drinking coffee to keep her awake

Related Questions

What Is the Strongest Type of Coffee Drink?

The strongest type of coffee is an espresso. It contains the highest level of caffeine. On the other hand, a lungo is larger in quantity, and thus contains more caffeine than an espresso. When it comes to the strongest types of coffee for alertness concentration, the espresso and lungo would be the strongest types of coffee.

Is It Good to Stay Awake With Caffeine?

No, it isn’t a good idea to stay up all night with caffeine. Overindulging in caffeine has short term benefits, while excessive use of the drink can lead to a series of problems, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Nightmares
  • Sleeplessness

Caffeine can help you sleep less, yet it’s not a guarantee that it will improve your productivity. A good night’s sleep helps the body repair itself. Sleep refreshes your brain and replenishes your energy.

Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Drinking Coffee?

You feel sleepy after drinking coffee because of the effects of caffeine. Caffeine works by interfering with the processes that control the sleep-wake cycle. This makes you more alert and helps you focus. However, after the body metabolizes caffeine, you can start feeling tired and sleepy.

Conclusion

While espresso is a good choice when wanting to stay awake, any caffeinated drink will help keep you awake. Caffeine, a strong stimulant, replaces the need to sleep with a strong desire for mental and physical activity. Tea and modern energy drinks are practical alternatives to coffee.