Study reveals trends in kids’ caffeine consumption

Researchers analyzed data from more than 32,000 cases of caffeine energy product exposure among children and adolescents between 2011 to 2023. The rate of exposure increased 17% during this period.

Children under 6 years old accounted for the majority of cases (69.6%), with a 20% rise in exposures over the study period. This suggests caffeine energy products remain both accessible and appealing to young kids. Most exposures in this age group were accidental.

Among teenagers, most exposures were intentional, often categorized as “misuse.” Teens may seek these products for an energy boost or as part of risky behavior.

While most cases didn’t require medical care, nearly 15% resulted in treatment at a health care facility and almost 2% led to hospital admission. Common symptoms included agitation, vomiting, rapid heart rate, nausea and even seizures. Solid formulations — like caffeine pills or chewables — were more likely to result in serious medical outcomes than liquids.

How caffeine disrupts sleep

Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks adenosine, a brain chemical promoting sleepiness. This interference makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. For children and teens, whose brains and bodies are still developing, lost sleep can have significant consequences.

Did you know:

• Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to structural changes in the brain. A 2022 study found that pre-teens sleeping less than nine hours daily had more mental health and behavioral challenges, such as impulsivity, stress, anxiety and aggressive behavior, compared to those who got sufficient sleep. Additionally, brain imaging showed harmful changes in areas of the brain responsible for attention, memory, and inhibition control in children getting less than nine hours of sleep daily. These changes in brain structure persisted over two years — a finding that suggests long term harm for those who don’t get enough sleep.
• Sleep-deprived teens are at a higher risk of developing depressive and suicidal thoughts. A study published in 2023 found that high school students who regularly get inadequate sleep (less than eight hours) on school nights were significantly more likely to experience poor mental health and negative feelings, including sadness, hopelessness and suicide planning.
• Insufficient sleep can lead to risky behavior and poor judgment. Research found that teens who get less than eight hours of sleep on school nights were more likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance use, sexual activity or reckless driving. One study found that students who got the least amount of sleep on school nights reported greater alcohol usage than those students who got the most sleep.

Lack of sleep doesn’t just lead to tiredness — it can weaken emotional control, impair judgment and make it harder for kids and teens to focus, learn and make healthy decisions.

How much sleep do kids and teens need?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides recommendations for optimal sleep durations by age:

• Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps)
• Children (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (including naps)
• Children (3-5 years): 10-13 hours (including naps)
• Children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
• Teens (13-18 years): 8-10 hours

Getting enough sleep supports memory, mood, and helps the body repair itself and regulate important hormones. To help families find the right bedtime, AASM offers a bedtime calculator.

The bottom line

Caffeine energy products pose real risks to children and teens, not only through immediate health effects but also by interfering with critical sleep needs.

Parents and caregivers should keep energy drinks out of reach, check labels for hidden caffeine sources and discuss the dangers with their children — especially teenagers. Encouraging healthy sleep habits and caffeine-free ways to boost energy, such as staying hydrated and getting natural sunlight, can make a big difference.

Protecting children’s sleep isn’t just about preventing tiredness — it’s about supporting their physical and mental health, emotional resilience and long-term success.

If your child is experiencing ongoing sleep problems, visit the AASM sleep center directory to get help from the sleep team at an accredited sleep center.

Medical review by Margaret Hovda, MD

Related:

• Navigating caffeine’s effects on sleep and alertness
• Sleep and caffeine
• Studies link caffeine to bad sleep habits and poor school performance in young teens
• Sleep disorders in children
• The truth about melatonin use in kids

Authored by: Kate Robards

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Sleepiness and productivity

For almost half of us — 47% according to the AASM survey — sleepiness isn’t just a mild inconvenience; it affects productivity. Tasks that need focus feel harder, and staying on top of work becomes a challenge. And it’s not just about feeling sluggish. Many people see their overall work quality slip too. Men are also more likely than women to report a decline in work performance.

Mental health takes a hit

The effects go beyond work. Over one-third (38%) of people in the AASM survey say that daytime sleepiness negatively impacts their mental health. When you’re always tired, stress and mood swings are more common, making it tougher to stay positive and motivated.

Sleepiness and relationships

It’s hard to connect with others when you’re tired all the time. Daytime sleepiness can put a strain on interactions, with almost a quarter (24%) of people admitting that it affects their relationships with friends and family. After all, it’s tough to be your best self if you’re constantly fighting to stay awake.

Sleep and safety

Daytime drowsiness doesn’t just affect social and work life; it can also pose safety risks. The survey shows that 16% of people report slower reaction times while driving due to sleepiness. This means sleepiness isn’t just a personal issue; it can impact others too.

What can you do?

It starts with better sleep habits. The AASM recommends adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Need a place to start? Here are some quick tips:

• Stick to a schedule: Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
• Create a sleep-friendly space: Keep your room cool, dark and quiet.
• Seek help if needed: If better sleep habits aren’t enough, talk to a health care professional, who may refer you to an AASM-accredited sleep center.

Takeaway

Sleep is essential, not just for health but for everyday life. If you’re regularly feeling sleepy, it may be time to make sleep a priority. Wondering how much sleep you’re getting? Track it for two weeks and see if it’s enough. Your productivity, mood and relationships may thank you.

Related

• Study links diet with daytime sleepiness in healthy adults
• FAQs of Zzz’s: Answering your top 10 sleep questions
• How sleep deprivation ages you quicker

The post Daytime sleepiness: More than just feeling tired appeared first on Sleep Education.

With even commonly-abused substances like cannabis causing sleep problems in more than 40% of those trying to quit, sleep deprivation is a serious concern for anyone struggling with a substance use disorder, and should be understood in the interest of effective self-care.

The road to recovery is never easy, but by consciously working to understand the link between sleep deprivation and addiction, those struggling with substance misuse can make the road ahead that much easier. If you’re struggling with addiction and sleep difficulties, here’s a closer look at how you can better manage the impact of addiction on your sleep and minimize the challenges preventing a speedy recovery.

The relationship between sleep deprivation and addiction

From regular users to those who are almost completely recovered, substance addictions of all kinds have been shown to have a close relationship with a person’s sleeping habits. Alcohol, for example, has been shown to decrease quality of sleep by around 9% even at lower doses, preventing REM sleep as the relaxing effects wear off after the last drink.

Sleep issues are also common among people who use illicit drugs, with heavy stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines making it near-impossible for the mind to relax when under the influence, and insomnia being a common withdrawal symptom when people come off these substances.

Frustratingly, the sleep issues caused by substance abuse such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and disturbances in sleep cycles can make it harder for addicted people to stay sober. The irritation of sleep problems can make it easy to turn to a substance as a quick-and-easy solution, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately makes recovery harder in the long run.

A vicious cycle

The pain and discomfort that comes with addiction recovery can make a person more vulnerable to sleep issues, but this relationship can also work in reverse.

Research has shown that people who experience sleep deprivation and unhealthy sleep cycles are at greater risk of developing substance use disorders. Drugs like cannabis, Ambien, and alcohol are all popular go-to drugs for those experiencing sleep issues, and on the flip side, people who feel fatigued and groggy in their waking life can turn to stimulants in order to keep feeling functional.

Research shows that sleep can have a drastic impact on helping the brain conduct important tasks, such as clearing out potentially dangerous substances like beta-amyloid proteins. Research has found that even one night of sleep deprivation can increase the amount of beta-amyloid in the brain.

With sleep deprivation being shown to hinder cognitive function and judgment, not getting enough sleep can also make it harder for people to manage their impulses and avoid making impulsive decisions that lead to relapse.

With sleep issues worsening the health problems associated with addiction, and addictions giving rise to sleep issues, the vicious cycle created between sleep deprivation and addiction can compound the challenge of recovering from one or both of these issues and make it especially important to understand how one side influences the other.

Getting your sleep back on track

If you’re dealing with insomnia while recovering from addiction, it can feel like you’re fighting an unwinnable war as you try to prevent both negative influences from overwhelming you. Though it won’t be easy, alongside seeking professional treatment for insomnia, there are always ways to help along your recovery, manage this cyclical relationship, and maximize your chances of achieving a high standard of sleep.

Get the help you need with recovery

One of the key things to bear in mind when struggling with sleep and addiction is that making a full recovery from your addiction will drastically improve your quality of sleep. With this in mind, it’s important to remember there are resources available for people struggling with addiction, sleep deprivation, and a combination of both.

Seeking professional assistance with any mental health problem can be daunting, especially when you’ve never discussed your mental health challenges openly in the past.

Once you can get over this initial hurdle, the right help will allow you to flesh out a clear roadmap to recovery, and benefit from the expertise of people who will show you you’re not alone in the challenges you’re facing.

Seek support for sleep problems

Whether your addiction is mild or severe, everyone can make positive changes to their daily routine and habits that will help them improve their overall quality of sleep. In many cases, improving your sleep habits can improve your sleep.

If you continue to experience poor sleep or insomnia, seek help from your doctor or the sleep team at an accredited health care center.

The recommended treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I). It addresses the thoughts and behaviors that keep you from sleeping well. The Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine has a directory of behavioral sleep medicine providers who offer CBT-I.

Final thought

Addiction and sleep deprivation have a complex reciprocal relationship that can make the road to recovery even harder. However, by understanding this link, seeking the professional help you need, and adopting healthier sleeping habits, you’ll be able to develop a healthier relationship with sleep and move more confidently toward your benchmarks for recovery.

As you face the challenges of addiction recovery and its effects on sleep, we hope this guide has helped you understand the state of your health, take charge of your recovery, and look forward to a higher quality of sleep each night.

Medical review by John Saito, MD

Related:

• Opioid use, pain linked to sleep problems
• Sleeping pills, stimulants & prescription drug abuse
• Multiple mood and anxiety disorders cause insomnia

Authored by: Sophie Bishop

Sophie Bishop is a medical journalist. Sophie aims to spread awareness through her writing around issues to do with mental health and well-being and is looking to connect with an engaged audience. Contact Sophie via her website: https://sophiebishop.uk/.

The post Understanding the relationship between sleep deprivation and addiction appeared first on Sleep Education.

There is evidence to suggest that sleep can have an impact on epilepsy, and epilepsy can contribute to sleep problems.

Sleep deprivation may trigger seizures

For people with epilepsy, sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of seizures. This may be because sleep deprivation can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to an increase in abnormal electrical activity that can trigger seizures.

It’s important for people with epilepsy to get enough high-quality sleep to help manage their condition.

Sleep disorders linked to epilepsy

In addition, certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, have also been linked to an increased risk of epilepsy. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s airways become blocked during sleep, interrupting their breathing. This can cause the brain to become oxygen-deprived, which may increase the risk of seizures.

Epilepsy may be linked to other sleep disorders as well. One study found that 43 percent of participants with epilepsy had clinically significant insomnia. In this sample, researchers found that insomnia was associated with poor short-term seizure control and worsened quality of life.

How epilepsy impacts sleep

While sleep problems may affect symptoms of epilepsy, epilepsy can also worsen the ability to get good sleep or worsen existing sleep disorders.

Nighttime seizures can lead to sleep disruptions or awakenings. In fact, the Epilepsy Society notes that, for some people, the effects of having a seizure may upset sleep patterns for several days.

Also, some drugs used to treat epilepsy may interfere with sleep. Some medications may make people sleepier or lead to problems falling or staying asleep.

Managing sleep and epilepsy

Getting adequate, high-quality sleep may help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy. Follow these 14 tips to improve your sleep.

People with trouble sleeping should speak with a health care provider to identify the cause of their sleep problems.

Medical review by Rafael J. Sepulveda-Acosta, MD

Related:

• Insomnia, poor sleep common in patients with epilepsy
• Brain chemical could be key to happiness

Authored by: Kate Robards

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Juliet Schor, an economist and sociologist at Boston College, is tracking over 180 companies around the world as they adopt four-day work weeks.

Results of the truncated schedules are still rolling in, but Schor already sees an improvement in employees’ physical and mental health, life satisfaction, and quality of life.

The early results point to employees getting more sleep, too. Workers slept nearly a full hour more per night during four-day work weeks compared to traditional 40-hour weeks. On average, workers logged 7.58 hours of sleep per night.

Schor also noted a major drop in sleep deprivation. The percentage of people getting less than seven hours of sleep per night dropped from 42.6% to 14.5% when they adopted a four-day work schedule.

The results surprised even Schor. “I wasn’t surprised that people are getting a little more sleep, but I was surprised at how robust the changes were,” she told Bloomberg in an interview.

At a time when people are burned out, stressed, and quitting at record levels, the gift of one day off each week is allowing employees to reclaim time for self-care.

When you get the sleep your body needs, your mind is sharper, you’re more creative, and you’re better prepared to take on challenges. In other words, you’re better equipped to succeed at work.

Even if your organization hasn’t pioneered a four-day work week, prioritizing sleep can improve your health, mood, and relationships.

Use the AASM’s bedtime calculator to find your ideal bedtime based on your age and wake time.

Additional resource:

Watch Juliet Schor’s TED Talk, “The Case for a 4-Day Work Week”

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post The surprising benefit of 4-day work weeks appeared first on Sleep Education.

Now, researchers are raising the possibility that sleep – or lack thereof – may be a factor in determining if we help each other. A surprising new set of research studies found that sleep loss may affect our generosity at an individual, group, and societal level.

Loss of sleep, loss of empathy

Researchers at University of California, Berkley, led three small studies to explore generosity at different levels.

In one study, they exposed a group of healthy adults to a night of 8 hours of sleep and a night with no sleep. Researchers scanned the participants’ brains after each night. After a sleepless night, areas of the brain involved in empathy and helping behavior were less active. In fact, 78% of study participants demonstrated a reduction in the desire to help others.

You’re less helpful after a night of poor sleep

In the next study, researchers tracked 136 people through online questionnaires and sleep diaries for a few days. They wanted to see if nightly variations in sleep affected their desire to help others.

They found that, when sleep quality worsened from one night to the next, there was a major decrease in “helping choices,” such as volunteering or holding a door open for a stranger.

Charitable donations dropped with a single hour of sleep loss

The third part of the study looked at how sleep loss affects generosity on a larger scale. The researchers analyzed data from over 3 million charitable donations made in the U.S. They focused on donations during the transition to daylight saving time in spring each year.

During the spring time change, we lose an hour of sleep. Interestingly, researchers found a 10% drop in donations in regions that change their clocks. This drop wasn’t seen in regions that don’t observe the time change.

They suggest that insufficient sleep triggered by the time change impacts donation behavior.

Conclusion

Together, these three studies suggest that sleep loss influences our empathy, generosity, and desire to help each other.

The researchers liken sleep deprivation to an infection given how it impacts our daily interactions with others. But perhaps getting enough, quality sleep could improve our compassion and kindness.

Medical review by Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS

Authored by:

Kate Robards

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The link between sleep and masculinity

A 2021 paper in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research examines a possible link between sleep and masculinity. The findings suggest that men who sleep less are seen as more masculine. Also, men who sleep less are judged more positively by society.

The study authors ran several experiments with 2,564 participants in the U.S. In one experiment, the participants were asked to describe a “very masculine or manly” man.” In their description, the masculine man got an average of 33 minutes less sleep than their description of a “not very manly” man.

Leading chronobiologist Dr. Charles Czeisler coined the term “sleep machismo” in a 2006 article in the Harvard Business Review. Dr. Czeisler declared that our work culture glorifies sleeplessness, risking our health and safety. To Dr. Czeisler, “encouraging a culture of sleepless machismo is worse than nonsensical; it is downright dangerous.”

Sleep deprivation is not a badge of honor

A “sleep machismo” culture glorifies sleep deprivation. This idea suggests that sleep deprivation is a sign of strength and dedication.

But sleep deprivation is not something to brag about. Sleep deprivation impacts your mind, mood, memory, and even your ability to resolve moral dilemmas. Sleepiness and fatigue on the job lead to lost productivity, difficulty thinking creatively, and more errors and accidents.

Research has suggested that men are more sleep deprived compared to women. A 2012 survey found that nearly a third (29.2%) of men achieved less than 6 hours of sleep on average each night. However, the AASM recommends that adults get seven or more hours per night on a regular basis.

A “sleep machismo” culture is dangerous and unhealthy. Getting enough quality sleep is important for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health. To support your health, follow these healthy sleep tips.

Medical review by Anne Marie Morse, DO

Related:

• How sleep disorders affect men’s health
• Sleep Works for You

Authored by:

Kate Robards

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Before you crack open your next novel, consider this: Losing sleep to get lost in a book can take a toll on your health, and it’s more common in women than men. The survey found that women (71%) are more likely to lose sleep due to reading a book than men (61%).

If you find yourself losing track of time while reading, it may be time to change up your nighttime routine. Sleep experts recommend setting a bedtime alarm to remind yourself that it’s time to put the book down for the night.

“It can be tempting to try and squeeze in one more chapter of a great book, but everyone should make it a priority to get enough sleep to wake feeling refreshed and alert,” said AASM President Dr. Kannan Ramar. “Consistently waking up feeling unrefreshed, or struggling to stay awake throughout the day, is a warning sign that either you are not getting enough sleep, or you may have an untreated sleep disorder.”

If you are unsure about how many hours of sleep you should be getting, the AASM bedtime calculator can help identify the appropriate bedtime based on your schedule and age. The personalized calculation can help you keep a routine that will provide adequate, healthy sleep, so you can finish your next novel without nodding-off.

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However, a lack of sleep affects more than just your appearance. Sleep is fundamental to your health and well-being. Skimping on your beauty rest affects your mood, motivation, memory, metabolism, and so much more. It even affects the health of your eyes.

Sleep deprivation and eye health

Much like the brain and the body, your eyes heal themselves as you sleep. Not getting enough sleep can lead to having dry, itchy, or bloodshot eyes. The eyes may produce less tears after a night of insufficient sleep. This can open the door to eye infections.

You may experience eye twitches or spasms when you have not had enough sleep. Your eyes may even be more sensitive to light, or you may have blurry vision. Sleep deprivation could lead to serious eye problems, such as glaucoma, over time.

Sleep apnea and your eyes

What does sleep apnea have to do with your eyes?

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that could lead to loss of vision. The likelihood of developing glaucoma is higher in people who have sleep apnea.

Eye doctors may be able to spot signs of sleep apnea during a routine eye exam. Changes in your eyelids, retina, or vision could be indicators of sleep apnea. When sleep apnea is treated, many of the eye-related symptoms are reversible.

Tonight, give your eyes a chance to rest and heal by getting your recommended amount of sleep. Adults should sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis. To support your overall health and the health of your eyes, follow these healthy sleep tips.

Medical review by Lawrence Epstein, MD

Authored by:

Kate Robards

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According to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), U.S. adults rank sleep as a top priority, second only to family. However, the results also show Americans are postponing their bedtimes for entertainment, including binge-watching, watching sporting events, playing video games and reading.

“It’s encouraging that Americans rank sleep as one of their highest priorities, but choosing to binge on entertainment at night instead of sleeping has serious ramifications,” said AASM President Dr. Kelly A. Carden. “Sleep is essential to health, well-being and safety, and chronic insufficient sleep can lead to an increased risk of health problems, mood disorders and motor vehicle accidents.”

Screen time is becoming the norm

The way we consume television has changed dramatically in the past few years. A metered, week-by-week wait for a new episode is obsolete for many Americans who now stream their favorite shows on-demand. Nearly 9 in 10 American adults have lost sleep because they stayed up to watch multiple episodes of a TV show or streaming series. While men and women are equally likely to stay up past their bedtime to watch a TV show, binge-watching habits do vary by age. Forty-four percent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they “often” stay up past their bedtime to watch shows, compared with 14% of those 45 and older. And, only 4% of 18 to 24-year-olds have not stayed up to stream a show, while this number jumps to 20% of those 45 or older.

It’s no surprise that more than half of survey respondents (58%) also said that they’ve lost sleep to watch a sporting event. Recorded games lack the excitement of the live event, and spoilers run rampant on the internet. Men are more likely than women to lose sleep, with 72% of men admitting to staying up past their bedtime to watch a sporting event.

Men are also more likely than women to postpone sleep due to video games. Half of survey respondents have lost sleep by playing video games. Young adults are more likely than those 35 or older to have stayed up to play video games, with nearly a third (32%) of those in Generation Z admitting that they lose sleep “often” to play video games.

Women, on the other hand, make up the majority of night-readers, with 71% staying up to finish a book. Overall, two-thirds of U.S. adults have lost sleep due to reading.

Marathon viewing can hurt your health

Sacrificing sleep for entertainment can lead to frustration, worry, and guilt — and these feelings are more common in Generation Z survey respondents. While 24% of respondents admit feeling frustrated by missed bedtimes, nearly a third of Gen Z respondents feel frustrated.

These feelings can compound the insufficient sleep problem, as negative thoughts about missing sleep might make it harder to fall asleep — especially when you try to make up for the lost time.

Postponing sleep can have negative consequences, as a study previously published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that binge-watchers reported more fatigue, more symptoms of insomnia, poorer sleep quality and greater alertness prior to going to sleep.

You don’t have to give up your marathon viewings or bestseller books altogether. To help prioritize sleep consistently, the AASM recommends practicing good sleep hygiene and following a bedtime routine — nightly habits that help you wind down and get ready to sleep. The AASM’s bedtime calculator is a helpful tool to identify a customized, recommended bedtime by age and wake time. The AASM also offers tips for streaming shows without sacrificing sleep.

If you have an ongoing sleep problem, speak with your medical provider, who may refer you to the sleep team at an accredited sleep center for help. You can use the sleep center directory to find a local accredited sleep center.

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