Research has revealed that caffeine consumption can affect teenagers' sleep, causing them to wake up during the night and feel sleepier by day.
A 2003 study arranged for 191 students (in school years seven to nine) to complete a daily diary detailing their sleep habits and consumption of foods and drinks containing caffeine, over a two week period.
Analysis of the survey results revealed that average daily caffeine intake was about 62.7 milligrams or approximately half a cup of coffee. Boys had a higher caffeine intake than girls (70 mg versus 55) and consumption peaked on Saturdays when soft drinks were the main source.
Teenagers who reported higher caffeine consumption had less night-time sleep with more disruptions, and were sleepier by day.
The researchers pointed to soft drink vending machines in schools as a key source of caffeine.
"Regardless of whether caffeine disturbed sleep or was consumed to counteract the daytime effect of interrupted sleep, caffeinated beverages had detectable pharmacologic effects," they said. "Limitation of the availability of caffeine to teenagers should therefore be considered."
- Tim Pegler is the editor of www.fitness2live.com.au
Reference:
Pollak CP, Bright D (2003) Caffeine consumption and weekly sleep patterns in US seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-graders. Pediatrics 111: 42-46.
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