People consuming cans daily sleep half an hour less than those drinking occasionally or never, researchers say
Energy drinks are associated with insomnia and poor-quality sleep, according to a large study that suggests just one can a month raises the risk of disturbed sleep.
Millions consume the products, which contain an average caffeine content of 150mg per litre as well as sugar, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They are marketed as boosters of mental health and physical performance, and are popular with young people in particular.
While there is already evidence to suggest they reduce sleep quality, until now it has been unclear exactly which aspects of sleep might be more or less affected, or whether there are any sex-specific differences in these effects.
A study involving more than 53,000 people aged between 18 and 35 in Norway has shed fresh light on the potential negative effects of energy drinks.
Researchers found those who consumed them every day slept about half an hour less than those drinking them occasionally or not at all.
It would be interesting though to dive into the causality a little more. Like, are the people who drink energy drinks reaching for them because they’ve slept poorly?
Caffeine in general after 5pm is detrimental to sleep quality, because the half life of caffeine in the digestive system is about 6 hours. Poor sleep quality means feeling tired in the morning, so caffeine drinkers start the cycle again by consuming more caffeine. A caffeinated energy drink like bang will leave your system with roughly 150mg still in the body 6 hours later, so consuming after noon would likely still affect your sleep.
Also FYI that medications can increase the half-life of caffeine. For example, oral birth control can double caffeine’s half-life. Additionally, people can metabolize caffeine faster or slower than others based on genetics and age. So I’ve figured out I need to stop drinking caffeine no later than noon, and I might benefit from stopping earlier (or entirely, as much as I’d miss it).
yep! I’m not 30 yet and I’m a healthy person on the larger side, so I’ve learned to stop all caffeine consumption after 3pm. I’ve also stopped drinking anything over 100mg after noon except in extenuating circumstances. I’ve noticed a much better sleep quality ever since
This is super interesting, thank you! What a vicious cycle.