Caffeine supplementation in athletes may impair sleep quality and duration, particularly when consumed close to bedtime or in high doses.
This systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials found that caffeine supplementation can have detrimental effects on sleep parameters in athletes, including reduced sleep quality, quantity, and efficiency, as well as increased sleep onset latency and number of awakenings. The effects vary based on timing of consumption, habitual caffeine use, and dose.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Caffeine supplementation in athletes may impair sleep quality and duration, particularly when consumed close to bedtime or in high doses. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Caffeine supplementation in athletes may impair sleep quality and duration, particularly when consumed close to bedtime or in high doses.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Professional athletes (athletic community).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Does caffeine supplementation affect sleep in athletes? A systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials. (Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain
- ▸Reduces sleep pressure and delays sleep onset
- ▸Alters sleep architecture and reduces slow-wave sleep
- ▸Result: Impaired sleep quality and recovery
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Professional athletes (athletic community)
Recommended Dose
N/A (varied across studies)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only nine trials were eligible, limiting generalizability
- ▸Heterogeneity in study designs, caffeine doses, timing, and athlete populations
Frequently Asked Questions
Does caffeine always harm sleep in athletes?▼
No, the effects vary depending on timing of consumption relative to sleep and exercise, habitual caffeine use, and dose. Some athletes may be less affected.
What sleep parameters are most affected by caffeine?▼
Sleep onset latency, sleep quality, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings, and overall sleep duration can be negatively impacted.
Why might caffeine affect sleep in athletes specifically?▼
Athletes often use caffeine for performance enhancement, but its adenosine-blocking effects can interfere with sleep, which is critical for recovery.
How many studies were included in this review?▼
Nine randomized controlled trials were included from an initial pool of 1469 records.
References
- 1.Bodur M, Barkell J, Li X, Sajadi Hezaveh Z. “Does caffeine supplementation affect sleep in athletes? A systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials..” Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 2025. PMID: 39551351 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.11.007