The Relationship Between Caffeine, Sleep, and Behavior in Children

Abstract

Study Objectives: To examine caffeine consumption from various dietary sources in a cohort of Australian children and the relationship between caffeine consumption, sleep, and daytime behavior. Methods: Children aged 8 to 12 years and their parents/guardians completed a battery of questionnaires. Children completed a caffeine questionnaire while parents completed questionnaires regarding demographics, sleep, and behavior. Results: The final sample consisted of 309 children (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 10.6 ± 1.3 years, male = 48%) and corresponding parent reports. On average a mean ± SD 10.2 ± 17.4 mg/day of caffeine was consumed with a range of zero to 151 mg/day. Of the children who consumed caffeine (87% of the sample), the largest contributor was coffee and tea; making up 41% of total caffeine intake, and sodas (soft drinks) contributed to 40% of caffeine intake. Total caffeine consumption was significantly associated with sleep routine (r = 0.152); morning tiredness (r = 0.129); restless sleep (r = 0.113); and internalizing behavioral problems (r = 0.128). Using path analysis, caffeine consumption was positively associated with morning tiredness (β = 0.111, P = .050) which was positively associated with internalizing behaviors (β = 0.432, P < .001). The addition of sleep routine and restless sleep to the model led to a complete mediation of caffeine consumption on morning tiredness, as well as a partial mediation of the association between morning tiredness and internal behaviors. Conclusions: In 8-to 12-year-olds the primary sources of caffeine are coffee/tea and sodas. Overall mean caffeine consumption is small by adult standards but has an effect on behavior and sleep in children. The effect on behavior is mediated by disrupted sleep, indicating that caffeine is a contributor to sleep problems and related behavior in children.

Caffeine Consumption in Children: Innocuous or Deleterious? A Systematic Review

“…Finally, Watson et al [41] observed that chronic changes in the sleeping pattern as a consequence of the alkaloid could predispose consumers to some psychological alterations like depression, anxiety, and psychosomatization. To assess the level of caffeine consumption, the authors used a self-report caffeine food frequency questionnaire, which calculated caffeine values in mg/day.…”

Efectos fisiológicos y cognitivos de la cafeína en la infancia: Revisión sistemática de la literatura

“…Se analizaron 4 artículos de diseño transversal [42][43][44][45] , que trataron sobre alteraciones en el ciclo del sueño que podrían ser causadas por la cafeína. Se observaron los efectos producidos en un total de 1.221 infantes de 5 a 15 años, con un consumo aproximado de 50 a 250mg de cafeína al día (de una a cinco latas de refrescos de cola [42][43][44][45] ). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron cuestionarios sobre la frecuencia de consumo de cafeína, sobre la calidad del sueño, sobre el comportamiento diurno, así como estudios médicos y pruebas de latencia múltiple del sueño.…”

“…En el mismo orden de ideas, Watson et al 45 reportaron que el alcaloide podría estar directamente relacionado con trastornos del sueño, como el insomnio. No obstante, Cielo et al 46 indicaron que la cafeína no eleva la incidencia de otro tipo de trastornos del sueño, particularmente del síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI).…”

“…De las 20 investigaciones analizadas 16 tuvieron una calificación de calidad fuerte. Las cuatro restantes 45,46,50,53 lograron una calificación moderada. Dos de estos estudios 45,46 corresponden a los efectos fisiológicos, uno 50 versa sobre los efectos cognitivos de la cafeína, y uno más 53 trata sobre los efectos del alcaloide en los trastornos paidopsiquiátricos.…”

Multi-etiological Perspective on Child Obesity Prevention

“…Behavioral obesity prevention interventions may focus on promoting consistent sleep timing on both scheduled (e.g. school) and free days, optimal duration of sleep, limiting exposure to artificial light in the evenings [114], encouraging light exposure in the morning [115], encouraging physical activity (to enhance evening fatigue) [116][117][118][119], limiting caffeine intake in the afternoon and evening [120], promoting an overnight fast by limiting food intake in the evening [121], and maintaining consistent meal patterns even on non-school days [121].…”