Energy drinks consumption and sleeping quality of students' universities of the Chiclayo province, Peru

This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, which seeks to promote mental health and reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. The research focuses on stimulant consumption, particularly energy drinks, as a significant risk factor affecting sleep quality among university students. In the local academic context, consuming these beverages has become a widespread and normalized practice. The study aims to address this issue by fostering healthy habits and promoting informed, responsible consumption within the university community. Accordingly, the primary objective is to determine the relationship between energy drink consumption and sleep quality among university students in Chiclayo in 2025.

A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was employed. The population consisted of 12,100 university students in Chiclayo, with a probabilistic sample of 373 participants. Data were collected using two Likert-scale questionnaires, validated by experts and tested for internal reliability.

Findings indicate that energy drink consumption is prevalent among the student population, with most reporting moderate to high intake. Sleep quality was generally acceptable but not optimal, with many participants exhibiting medium to low sleep quality levels. Correlation analyses revealed a strong, negative, inverse relationship between energy drink consumption and sleep quality. Specifically, both the frequency of consumption and the reasons for intake were strongly associated with impaired sleep. Immediate perceived effects after consumption also correlated inversely with restorative sleep, suggesting that short-term energy gains compromise subsequent rest.

The study confirms a strong negative relationship between energy drink consumption and sleep quality among university students in Chiclayo. These findings highlight that stimulant intake constitutes a significant risk factor that undermines restorative sleep, emphasizing the need for interventions promoting healthier consumption habits and improved well-being in the academic community.