Neuroscience Study Raises Doubts About the Morning Coffee Boost

Neuroscience Study Reveals Morning Coffee Buzz Could Be a Placebo



A new study in neuroscience suggests that the energizing feeling people get from their morning coffee may actually be a placebo effect. Researchers found that the ritual of drinking coffee and the associated sensory experience, rather than the caffeine itself, is what contributes to the perceived alertness. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, involved MRI scans of habitual coffee drinkers before and after consuming coffee or caffeine-infused hot water. Results showed that while caffeine did have an impact on brain connectivity, the additional benefits in working memory, cognitive control, and goal-directed behavior were only observed among those who drank coffee. This indicates that the experience of drinking coffee plays a significant role in achieving a state of readiness and alertness. The study raises questions about the true effects of caffeine on cognitive performance and suggests that even decaffeinated coffee may still provide similar benefits. Overall, the research challenges our understanding of the morning coffee ritual and highlights the potential influence of psychological factors in our perception of the drink's effects.

Unveiling the Psychological Factors behind the Morning Coffee Boost


The morning coffee ritual is a beloved routine for many people, providing a much-needed kickstart to the day. However, new research suggests that the energizing buzz people feel after sipping their favorite caffeinated drink may actually be a placebo effect. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience examined the impact of drinking coffee on cognitive performance and found that the experience of drinking coffee, rather than the caffeine itself, appears to be responsible for the perceived alertness.

The Portuguese scientists conducting the study recruited habitual coffee drinkers and conducted MRI scans before and after consuming coffee or caffeine-infused hot water. The results showed that caffeine had an impact on brain connectivity, particularly in the default mode network associated with introspection and self-reflection. However, drinking coffee also increased connectivity in the higher visual network and the right executive control network, which did not occur in those who only consumed caffeine.

These findings suggest that the cognitive benefits associated with coffee extend beyond the effects of caffeine alone. Simply engaging in the ritual of turning on the coffee machine, stirring in milk or sugar, and savoring the experience contributes to a sense of readiness and alertness. While caffeine plays a role in waking people up and providing a boost, the study highlights the importance of the overall sensory experience of drinking coffee in enhancing working memory, cognitive control, and goal-directed behavior.

The research challenges our understanding of the morning coffee routine and introduces the influence of psychological factors in our perception of the drink's effects. It also raises intriguing possibilities regarding the benefits of decaffeinated coffee, although further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Overall, the study emphasizes the significance of the coffee-drinking experience in generating the desired morning buzz, serving as a reminder that it's not just the caffeine but the entire sensory encounter that contributes to the perceived effects of our beloved cup of joe.


The recent neuroscience study on the morning coffee buzz has shed light on the potential placebo effect associated with this daily ritual. The findings indicate that the perceived alertness and cognitive benefits of coffee may stem more from the experience of drinking it rather than the caffeine content alone. The research challenges our understanding of the true effects of caffeine on cognitive performance and underscores the significance of the sensory encounter involved in the morning coffee routine.

The study's MRI scans revealed that while caffeine did influence brain connectivity, the additional benefits in working memory and cognitive control were observed specifically among those who consumed coffee. This suggests that the sensory aspects, such as the smell, taste, and overall experience of drinking coffee, contribute to a state of readiness and heightened alertness.

The implications of this research extend beyond caffeine alone, as decaffeinated coffee may still provide similar benefits. This opens up intriguing possibilities for individuals who prefer or require a reduced caffeine intake. However, further studies are necessary to explore the specific impacts of decaf coffee.

Overall, these findings challenge our understanding of the morning coffee ritual and highlight the role of psychological factors in shaping our perception of its effects. The study underscores the importance of not only the caffeine content but also the entire sensory encounter to achieve the desired morning buzz. As we continue to