Daylight Saving Time and Your Coffee Routine in 2026

Daylight Saving Time can throw off our circadian rhythms, and our coffee routines are not exempt. The 'science' is still developing, but there is little doubt that all aspects of our lives are thrown off kilter when we roll the clocks forward and back. Our coffee routine is not exempt from this,” says Cohen.

Drinking coffee in the evening is especially harmful to sleep. While many of us turn to coffee (and caffeine) to enhance our days and get to a more “alert” state, we also need to be careful how this impacts cortisol levels. Some people believe that delaying the first cup of coffee in the morning can help balance our feelings of well-being as we wake up pretty refreshed (higher cortisol levels), and cortisol slowly begins to drop about an hour or two after waking.

Beyond coffee timing, Major Cohen also shared other recommendations to adjust your coffee routine alongside daylight saving time changes. “As the spring adjustment to DST is hardest to acclimate to, drinking cold brew may help ease the body into the time change. Some studies have argued that cold brew has less impact on acid reflux in comparison to hot coffee, making it a better alternative for those with sensitive stomachs who still want the energizing boost of a morning coffee.”

Daylight Saving Time starts on March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m. Clocks are set forward one hour.

It can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Experts suggest adjusting your coffee timing by 15-30 minutes to align with the time change.

Cold brew may be gentler on the stomach and have less impact on acid reflux, making it a good alternative during the DST transition.

Daylight Saving Time can impact your sleep and energy levels. Consider adjusting your coffee timing or switching to cold brew to ease the transition. Pay attention to how your body reacts and adjust accordingly.

Do you think adjusting your coffee routine will help with Daylight Saving Time? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!