ProtocolBeginnerSleep

Caffeine Cutoff Protocol

Caffeine has a half-life of 5–6 hours. That means a 2pm coffee still has 50% of its caffeine in your blood at 8pm. This protocol structures your caffeine intake so it fuels your morning without wrecking your night. Simple rules, massive impact on sleep quality.

Duration
Daily / ongoing
Intensity
beginner
Category
Sleep

Method

1First caffeine: within 90 min of waking (not immediately — let cortisol peak first)
2Hard cutoff: no caffeine after 1pm (adjust to noon if you're a slow metabolizer)
3Limit total daily intake to 400mg (roughly 2 strong coffees or 4 teas)
4If you need afternoon energy: 10 min walk, cold water on face, or bright light exposure
5Track your Oura/WHOOP deep sleep % for 2 weeks to find your personal cutoff time
6Weekend rules don't change — consistency is the entire point

Outcome

10–20% increase in deep sleep within the first week. Faster sleep onset. More consistent energy throughout the day without the afternoon crash.

Use with

Other Protocols