If you're drinking coffee to feel more awake but end up feeling more tired, you're not alone. While caffeine gives a temporary boost, it also disrupts your natural energy system, often leaving you more exhausted than before. In this article, we break down why coffee can actually make you tired and why functional mushroom coffee is a smarter, more sustainable alternative.
Why You Feel Tired After Coffee
Most people reach for coffee when they're low on energy, but what happens next often feels like a trick: a quick jolt of focus followed by a crash, fogginess or the need for a second cup (or third!).
Here’s why coffee can actually make you more tired.
Caffeine Blocks Your Sleep Chemical... Then Dumps It Back
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, the compound in your brain that builds up over the day and tells you to rest. When the caffeine wears off, the adenosine rushes back in, making you feel heavy, sluggish and even more tired than before.
A 2010 study found that caffeine’s "rebound fatigue" often results in worsened performance after the initial stimulation ends (Smith et al., 2010).
Coffee Dehydrates You
Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning it can cause your body to lose water and essential electrolytes. Even mild dehydration is enough to affect energy levels, concentration and mood.
It Disrupts Sleep... Even If You Don’t Feel It
Caffeine has a half-life of 5–8 hours, meaning that morning coffee can still interfere with your deep sleep cycles... even if you fall asleep easily.
Studies show that caffeine consumed even 6+ hours before bed can reduce both total sleep time and sleep quality (Drake et al., 2013).
Less quality sleep = more next-day exhaustion = more coffee = cycle repeats.
Coffee Triggers Cortisol (Your Stress Hormone)
Caffeine stimulates the release of cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. Over time, this constant “fight or flight” activation can leave your adrenal system fatigue, which ironically results in feeling more tired and emotionally flat.
This is especially important for those navigating hormonal imbalances, burnout or perimenopause.
So… What’s the Alternative?
You don’t need to give up your morning ritual! You just choose a drink that works with your body, not against it.
Meet Functional Mushrooms
Earthrise is Australia’s favourite functional mushroom coffee alternative, delivering smooth, crash-free energy with:
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Cordyceps: Supports cellular energy (ATP) production
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Lion’s Mane: Boosts focus, memory and clarity
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Reishi: Helps regulate stress and calm the nervous system
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Cacao + adaptogens: Rich taste, zero anxiety
Health Benefits of Switching to Functional Mushroom Blends
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No overstimulation or crashes
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Doesn’t block adenosine
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Supports real energy production (mitochondrial function)
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Won’t disrupt sleep
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Gut-friendly, low-acid, and made in Australia
FAQs
Can coffee really make you tired?
Yes. While it provides a short burst of alertness, coffee blocks your natural fatigue signals and then causes a rebound crash. It can also dehydrate you, disrupt sleep and increase cortisol.
Why do I feel worse after drinking coffee?
You may be experiencing a caffeine crash, mild dehydration, or adrenal fatigue. Coffee doesn't create energy, it just delays your brain from recognising tiredness.
Is mushroom coffee better for energy?
Yes. Functional mushrooms like Cordyceps support natural, cellular-level energy production without stimulating your nervous system.
Will quitting coffee help my fatigue?
For many people, yes. Removing caffeine allows your body to reset its adenosine system, regulate cortisol, and sleep more deeply, often leading to more consistent energy.
What does Earthrise taste like?
It’s rich, earthy and chocolatey.... more like a cacao latte than black coffee. And no, it doesn’t taste like mushrooms.
Can I switch without withdrawal?
Earthrise is designed to help you transition off coffee smoothly, without the headaches or crashes. Many users replace their second or third cup first, then gradually swap out their morning brew.
Conclusion
If your coffee habit is leaving you more tired than energised, your body is sending a message.
It’s time to rethink your brew.
