Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
08:45

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Published on: January 25, 2016

25.5K

The Relationship Between Caffeine, Sleep, and Behavior in Children

Emily J Watson1, Siobhan Banks1, Alison M Coates2

  • 1Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
|February 7, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Caffeine from coffee, tea, and sodas impacts sleep and behavior in children aged 8-12. Disrupted sleep mediates the link between caffeine intake and internalizing behaviors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Child Psychology
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Caffeine consumption is prevalent in children, with potential impacts on sleep and behavior.
  • Understanding sources and effects is crucial for public health guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate caffeine intake from various sources in Australian children aged 8-12 years.
  • To explore the relationship between caffeine consumption, sleep patterns, and daytime behavior.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 309 children (8-12 years) and their parents completed questionnaires.
  • Data collected included caffeine intake, demographics, sleep habits, and behavioral assessments.

Main Results:

  • Coffee, tea, and sodas were primary caffeine sources (41% and 40% respectively).
  • Caffeine consumption correlated with poorer sleep routines, morning tiredness, and internalizing behaviors.
  • Path analysis revealed caffeine intake positively associated with morning tiredness, which in turn linked to internalizing behaviors, with sleep disruption as a mediator.

Conclusions:

  • Coffee, tea, and sodas are significant caffeine sources for children aged 8-12.
  • Even moderate caffeine intake affects children's sleep and behavior.
  • Caffeine contributes to sleep problems, which subsequently influence behavioral issues in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
behaviorcaffeineinternalizing behaviorsmorning tirednesspath analysisrestless sleepschool-aged childrensleepsleep routine

More Related Videos

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

12.6K
Experimental Protocol for Examining Behavioral Response Profiles in Larval Fish: Application to the Neuro-stimulant Caffeine08:33

Experimental Protocol for Examining Behavioral Response Profiles in Larval Fish: Application to the Neuro-stimulant Caffeine

Published on: July 24, 2018

11.8K

Related Concept Videos

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
1.1K
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
502
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.1K
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
561
Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.8K
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
747