Impact of daily caffeine intake and timing on electroencephalogram-measured sleep in adolescents

This study analyzed the impact of daily caffeine consumption and timing on sleep in adolescents using EEG over seven nights. Higher caffeine intake, particularly in the afternoon and evening, significantly reduced total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and REM sleep while increasing the time it took to fall asleep. The study also found that poor sleep efficiency led to higher caffeine use the next afternoon, suggesting a potential cycle of poor sleep and increased caffeine reliance. These findings emphasize caffeine's disruptive effects on sleep and its implications for adolescent brain health and development.

Adolescents should limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening, to protect sleep quality and cognitive function. Promoting healthy habits, like consuming caffeine earlier in the day and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can reduce sleep disruption. This recommendation is based on objective EEG data, highlighting caffeine’s adverse effects on adolescent sleep, although individual differences in sensitivity may require personalized strategies.