New Study Finds Just 1 Energy Drink a Month Can Disturb Sleep

A recent large-scale study has brought to light the significant impact of energy drink consumption on sleep quality, especially among young adults. This study, published in the journal BMJ Open, highlights that even occasional intake of energy drinks, as infrequent as once a month, can adversely affect sleep quality.

The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis involving 53,266 participants aged between 18 and 35, as part of the Students' Health and Well-being Study (SHOT22 study) in Norway. Participants were surveyed regarding their energy drink consumption habits, which ranged from daily to seldom or never. Additionally, detailed information on their sleep patterns was gathered, including aspects like bedtime, wake-up time, duration of falling asleep, and instances of wakefulness after going to sleep. This allowed for an assessment of their sleep efficiency and the prevalence of insomnia.

Key findings from the study include a clear correlation between higher consumption of energy drinks and an increase in sleep-related problems, with the most pronounced impact observed in terms of short sleep duration. Notably, both men and women who reported daily consumption of energy drinks experienced around half an hour less sleep than those who consumed these drinks occasionally or not at all. Insomnia was also more prevalent among frequent consumers of energy drinks.

The study revealed gender differences in energy drink consumption patterns, with a smaller percentage of women reporting frequent consumption compared to men. However, the negative effects on sleep were evident across both genders. It's important to note that while the study establishes a robust association between energy drink consumption and various sleep parameters, it is observational in nature. Thus, it does not definitively establish causation, and the possibility of reverse causality — where poor sleep might lead to increased energy drink consumption rather than the other way around — cannot be ruled out.

Moreover, the study relied on self-reported data regarding consumption habits and sleep patterns, without specific details on the timing or exact quantities of energy drinks consumed. Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the potential risks associated with even infrequent consumption of energy drinks on sleep quality, particularly among young adults. The research highlights the importance of considering energy drink consumption as a modifiable risk factor for sleep problems in this demographic.

For further details, you can refer to the study in BMJ Open (DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072951) and additional insights provided by Medical Xpress and Medical Daily.