Drinking caffeine can be an effective way to start the day, and many people rely on it in the evening to stay alert during late-night work or study sessions. However, a recent study has revealed that consuming coffee in the evening might significantly impact the quality of sleep, even if the individual gets the recommended eight hours of rest.
A Negative Effect
Researchers used a technique called electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the brain waves of participants and assess the biological quality of their sleep. The findings indicated that while caffeine does not always prevent someone from falling asleep or reduce the total sleep duration, it can negatively affect the depth and quality of sleep.
“Caffeine may shorten sleep or make it more difficult to fall asleep,” said Donata Kurpas, a researcher from the Department of Nursing at Wroclaw Medical University, in a press release. “However, even when sleep duration appears normal, it may reduce slow-wave activity and shift the EEG pattern toward a more wakeful brain.”
In simpler terms, the study suggests that even if a person goes to bed on time and sleeps for eight hours, caffeine might hinder the brain’s ability to regenerate during sleep.
‘Neither good nor bad’
The timing of coffee consumption could also play a role, depending on factors such as genetic makeup, age, and stress levels. “It is not only about coffee consumed just before bedtime,” Kurpas explained. “For some people, the total amount of caffeine consumed during the day and whether the body has enough time to metabolize it before nightfall may also be important.”
Kurpas pointed out that for some individuals, the effects of caffeine act like a temporary energy loan that the body eventually needs to repay. Consuming caffeine can take energy from the evening’s sleep, depending on how the body processes it.
“If caffeine helps a person function during the day while simultaneously worsening the quality of nighttime recovery, a vicious circle may develop: greater fatigue, greater need for stimulation and poorer sleep,” Kurpas said.
She emphasized that caffeine is neither inherently good nor bad. “It is a biologically active substance whose effects depend on dose, time of day, age, lifestyle, sleep quality, stress burden and individual sensitivity.”
More Coffee Coverage
Previous reports have explored various aspects of coffee and caffeine. Last month, a dermatologist shared the surprising ingredient in coffee that might be aging your skin. Experts suggest that there are several morning habits that can set the tone for the entire day. Additionally, research shows that late-night coffee can have another effect: impulsive behavior.
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