Sleep quality and sleep patterns in relation to consumption of energy drinks, caffeinated beverages, and other stimulants among Thai college students

Abstract

Purpose Poor sleep and heavy use of caffeinated beverages have been implicated as risk factors for a number of adverse health outcomes. Caffeine consumption and use of other stimulants are common among college students globally. However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the influence of caffeinated beverages on sleep quality of college students in Southeast Asian populations. We conducted this study to evaluate the patterns of sleep quality; and to examine the extent to which poor sleep quality is associated with consumption of energy drinks, caffeinated beverages and other stimulants among 2,854 Thai college students. Methods A questionnaire was administered to ascertain demographic and behavioral characteristics. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep habits and quality. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify statistically significant associations. Results Overall, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was found to be 48.1%. A significant percent of students used stimulant beverages (58.0%). Stimulant use (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.28-1.77) was found to be statistically significant and positively associated with poor sleep quality. Alcohol consumption (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.72-5.59) and cigarette smoking (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-1.98) also had statistically significant association with increased daytime dysfunction. In conclusion, stimulant use is common among Thai college students and is associated with several indices of poor sleep quality. Conclusion Our findings underscore the need to educate students on the importance of sleep and the influences of dietary and lifestyle choices on their sleep quality and overall health.

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards consumption of caffeine containing drinks among the student population of Ras al-Khaimah medical and health sciences university, UAE

“…Stimulant use was found to be statistically significant and positively associated with poor sleep quality. 10 Another study done on selected group of students in a University of life sciences, Poland showed that students consumed many more energy drinks during examinations (1424±1577 ml/week) than during the academic year (441±579 ml/week).…”

The Somnolent Youth-Sleep and the Influence of Exercise: A Narrative Review

“…It is generally appealing to this population due to its ability to help cope with the daytime sleepiness ubiquitous during the second decade of life [84]. Caffeine intake, is known to be associated with sleep difficulties, interruptions in the normal sleep cycles, and longer sleep onset latencies amongst adolescents [85,86], thereby potentially causing a vicious cycle in which the consumption of caffeine prevents the adolescent from sleeping at night, leading to elevated caffeine consumption during the day as a result of the consequent daytime sleepiness.…”

Author response to: Sleep and beverage drinking among Thai college students

“…We appreciate the thoughtful comments by Dr. Wiwanitkit on our article [1], in which we evaluated the patterns of sleep quality in relation to caffeine use among Thai college students. His commentary raises important issues.…”