Full of caffeine and often loaded with sugar, we turn to energy drinks when we're looking for a boost. However, that afternoon pick-me-up may have become a disruptor of nighttime sleep, and studies indicate that the high from energy drinks may linger long after bedtime. And new research has shown that it's not just those who regularly enjoy energy drinks who feel the effect: even casual consumers may find that energy drinks cause them to lose sleep.
The experts surveyed a group of 53,266 students between 18 and 35 years old about their consumption of energy drinks and their sleeping habits. The study, published in the BMJ Open Journal, found that daily consumption of energy drinks was correlated with going to bed up to 33 minutes later, waking up 25 minutes later, reduced sleep duration, an increase in the time taken to fall asleep , and a greater likelihood of suffering from insomnia. That's essentially everything, from when you go to bed at night to when you go out the next morning.
How many energy drinks can make a difference?
While it may not be a surprise that regular consumption of energy drinks can disrupt sleep, research also demonstrated a link between occasional consumption of energy drinks and sleep problems. Those who drank just one to three energy drinks a month reported having worse sleep than those who never drank them.
Notably, 32.7 percent of women who rarely drank energy drinks reported insomnia. That figure jumped to 40.6 percent among women who drank energy drinks one to three times a month. Additionally, men who never or rarely drank energy drinks reported a rise time of 8:03, increasing to 8:10 among those who drank only a few energy drinks each month.
However, the more energy drinks consumed, the more pronounced the effect on sleep. Participants who enjoyed at least one energy drink a day reported getting 30 minutes less sleep than those who rarely drank them. Insomnia also increased significantly (from 32.7 percent in women to 50.6 percent, and from 21.8 percent in men to 36.6 percent), and men reported that their bedtime was It was delayed from 23:32 to 00:05.
While the study showed a correlation, it could not directly confirm the link between energy drink consumption and lack of sleep. It also couldn't explain the reverse effect: Those who slept worse at first might be more likely to turn to energy drinks to help them get through the day.
However, while this research is not without flaws, the results support similar studies that have recorded a link between low-quality sleep and energy drink consumption.
Does that mean you have to give up energy drinks completely? Since sleeping well has been linked to a longer life expectancy, it might be worth thinking about. But before you do, consider exactly what you'll be drinking instead. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and many of them also contain sugar. If you swap your morning energy drink for a triple-sugar coffee, your sleep problems may persist.
