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. 2013 Sep;17(3):1017-28.
doi: 10.1007/s11325-012-0792-1. Epub 2012 Dec 14.

Sleep quality and sleep patterns in relation to consumption of energy drinks, caffeinated beverages, and other stimulants among Thai college students

Vitool Lohsoonthorn  1 , Hazar Khidir, Gardenia Casillas, Somrat Lertmaharit, Mahlet G Tadesse, Wipawan C Pensuksan, Thanapoom Rattananupong, Bizu Gelaye, Michelle A Williams
Affiliations

Sleep quality and sleep patterns in relation to consumption of energy drinks, caffeinated beverages, and other stimulants among Thai college students

Vitool Lohsoonthorn et al. Sleep Breath. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: Poor sleep and heavy use of caffeinated beverages have been implicated as risk factors for a number of adverse health outcomes. Caffeine consumption and use of other stimulants are common among college students globally. However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the influence of caffeinated beverages on the sleep quality of college students in Southeast Asian populations. We conducted this study to evaluate the patterns of sleep quality and to examine the extent to which poor sleep quality is associated with consumption of energy drinks, caffeinated beverages, and other stimulants among 2,854 Thai college students.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered to ascertain demographic and behavioral characteristics. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep habits and quality. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify statistically significant associations.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was found to be 48.1 %. A significant percent of students used stimulant beverages (58.0 %). Stimulant use (odds ratios (OR) 1.50; 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) 1.28-1.77) was found to be statistically significant and positively associated with poor sleep quality. Alcohol consumption (OR 3.10; 95 % CI 1.72-5.59) and cigarette smoking (OR 1.43; 95 % CI 1.02-1.98) also had a statistically significant association with increased daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness. In conclusion, stimulant use is common among Thai college students and is associated with several indices of poor sleep quality.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the need to educate students on the importance of sleep and the influences of dietary and lifestyle choices on their sleep quality and overall health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests

None to declare

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distributions of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scores by Sex
Figure 2
Figure 2
Prevalence of poor sleep quality in relation to age and sex
Figure 3
Figure 3
Any stimulant use by age and sex
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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