In a recent study, it was found that eating too much caffeine later in the day could significantly affect sleep, even if you drank it relatively early.

It is well known that many people start their day with a cup of coffee in order to wake up, start moving and pursue their daily tasks.

Researchers from the Department of Sleep Medicine at the University of Edinburgh have researched the subject, finding that the effect of coffee on sleep can last up to six hours before going to bed.

The lead author of the study, Renata Riha, explained that reducing caffeine intake from six hours before bedtime may help reduce the impact on a person's waking and sleep cycle.

The authors of the study also found that drinking coffee after waking can help focus and vigilance, which is particularly true for shift workers who often have to adapt to a new sleep cycle.

It should be noted that an earlier study discovered that eating 300 mg of caffeine a day (equivalent to three cups of coffee) could help improve cognitive responses to the brain during the first three days of lack of sleep.

For those with an abnormal sleep cycle, such as working a night shift, regular coffee intake can help reduce short-term cognitive impairment due to lack of sleep, but researchers say it is likely to have a negative impact on sleep quality and duration.

Researchers found that the amount of caffeine one consumes gives different results, as 75 mg of caffeine increases attention, concentration and vigilance. However, coffee lovers can still enjoy up to 400 milligrams as part of a healthy, balanced diet while continuing to be active.

She concluded by saying that "those who find that drinking coffee later in the day disrupts their sleep patterns may wish to replace them with low-caffeine or decaf during the afternoon and evening."