Caffeine Who? Your Morning Coffee Fix Is Actually A Mental Habit, Says Study

If you can't function without your morning coffee, science now says it might not be the caffeine you're hooked on, but it could be the comforting ritual itself. The warm mug in your hand, the rich aroma, and the sip-by-sip routine all contribute to a deeply ingrained habit that affects your body and brain in ways you might not expect.

A recent study published in Heliyon on January 30, 2025, explored what really wakes us up after that first cup. Is it the actual caffeine content, or are our bodies reacting to the familiar experience of drinking coffee?

Turns out, for regular coffee lovers, the "idea" of coffee may be just as powerful as the drink itself. Keep reading as we understand through this study.

Understanding the study

Researchers behind the study wanted to understand the effects of caffeine on the psychological power of the coffee ritual. They included 20 daily coffee drinkers and gave them either real caffeinated coffee or a decaffeinated placebo, without revealing who got what. Both drinks looked and tasted the same, keeping participants completely unaware of whether they were consuming caffeine or not.

They then measured everything from brain activity and heart rate to focus and cognitive performance before and after each cup.

Surprisingly, apart from a slight change in resting brainwave patterns, the study found almost no major differences between those who consumed caffeine and those who didn’t. Only one of the three cognitive tasks showed any significant change.

Coffee, the daily ritual

The findings suggest that habitual coffee drinkers may have developed a conditioned response, meaning the act of drinking coffee itself can trigger physical and mental changes, even without caffeine.

"Caffeine is something we use every day, yet is poorly understood and thus makes an inviting study subject. We wanted to understand what actually triggers the physical and mental effects people associate with coffee, especially in regular drinkers,” said study author Mateja Lesar.

So next time you reach for your daily brew, remember: it might not be the jolt of caffeine waking you up; it might just be the comforting magic of the ritual you’ve come to love.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns or questions regarding your health or medical condition.

news