May 28, 2026

Many people drink coffee immediately after waking up… but experts say drinking water first could make a bigger difference than you think

Many people have been told that starting the day with water instead of coffee can improve hydration and help regulate stress hormones. But experts say the science behind delaying your morning cup is far less convincing than social media suggests.

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A recent social media trend suggests drinking water one or two hours before sipping your first cup of coffee helps improve hydration and balance cortisol levels. Fact or myth? Here’s what science says.

Experts believe staying hydrated in the morning is important, but there’s no strong evidence that waiting to drink coffee offers extra health benefits. Let’s break it down.

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Why Hydration Matters in the Morning

It’s normal to wake up slightly dehydrated after a full night’s sleep without drinking fluids. The human body, which is made up of more than 50% water, typically loses 400 to 700 milliliters (or about 1.5 to 3 cups) of fluid overnight.

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