Sleeping and Coffee

Coffee, especially in the Northwest is a way of life and sometimes much needed to get a jump on the darkness in the early mornings, but what kind of effect can it have on your sleeping patterns?

A 2017 sleep study found that caffeine does delay one from getting to sleep, total sleep time, staying asleep and perceived sleep quality^[1]. Electroencephalographic (EEG) scans were used in the study and it was found that wakefulness and arousals were increased after caffeine consumption^[1]. This study also found that older adults may be more sensitive to caffeine than younger adults and depending on one's genes, some may be more sensitive to sleep disruption due to caffeine than others^[1].

Another study investigated whether or not having a beverage before bed affect one’s sleep and sleeping patterns. Caffeinated coffee consumption showed the most EEG and sleep changes as REM (rapid eye movement) occurred earlier than normal and earlier stages appeared later^[2]. Decaffeinated coffee showed no effects as per the study^[2].

Therefore drinking water or perhaps even decaf coffee before bed would be a better option than coffee. The next article will look at the benefits of coffee and some drawbacks as well.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26899133 Opens in new window
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/186223 Opens in new window