A recent study reported that drinking coffee may provide a temporary feeling of alertness and improved mood, especially in the morning or when feeling tired. This is due to the effect of the caffeine contained in it on dopamine in the brain, as reported by the New York Times.
However, specialists warn against considering coffee a treatment for depression, stressing that its effect on mood is limited in duration and may diminish in people who habitually drink coffee, as the body gets used to caffeine. Any feeling of improved mood may simply be an alleviation of withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.
Doctors advise that the ideal amount to achieve a positive effect on mood ranges between one and two cups per day. They also stress the need to abstain from consuming caffeine 6-12 hours before bedtime to avoid sleep problems and increased stress.
As for individuals who do not drink coffee, it is not recommended to start drinking it solely with the aim of improving mood, as there are other methods, such as getting enough sleep, practicing physical activity, and socializing, which have proven more effective for mental health.
