Caffeine and Sleep Quality
By Zainab Bazara
Energy drink use has become increasingly popular among teenagers, which makes it important to understand how caffeine, the ingredient that makes you feel more alert, affects sleep. Caffeine is found in energy drinks, coffee, tea, and even sodas like Coke. A study by Sancho-Domingo et al. (2025) investigated how different caffeinated drinks influence the sleep quality of teenagers in Sweden. Over 1,400 students were asked how often they drank coffee/tea, soda, and energy drinks, as well as whether they experienced sleep problems, difficulty waking up, or getting enough sleep on school nights and weekends.
The researchers found three main patterns of caffeine use. Some teens rarely used caffeine, most of them drank soda regularly, and a smaller group consumed several types of caffeinated drinks almost every day. Teens who were in this “mixed caffeine use’’ group had the worst sleep quality. They were more likely to have trouble falling asleep, waking up in the morning, and staying alert during the day. They also slept less than seven hours on school nights, compared to teens who drank little to no caffeine. Even students who drank soda once or twice a week showed some sleep related issues, but the effects were strongest for teens who consumed multiple caffeinated drinks.
These results show that higher caffeine intake can significantly harm teenagers’ sleep and daily functioning. Considering that sleep is essential for learning, mood, and overall health, the study suggests that reducing teens’ access to caffeinated drinks and supporting healthier habits may help prevent long-term issues.
Reference:
Sancho-Domingo, C., Garmy, P., & Norell, A. (2025). Patterns of Caffeine Use in Adolescents and Their Association with Sleep Quality: A Latent Class Analysis. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 10.1097/JAN.0000000000000651.
