Caffeine supplementation may have a detrimental effect on sleep and recovery in athletes
This systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials found that caffeine supplementation can adversely affect sleep parameters in athletes, including sleep quality, quantity, efficiency, number of awakenings, and sleep onset latency. 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 may have a detrimental effect on sleep and recovery in athletes 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 may have a detrimental effect on sleep and recovery in athletes
This conclusion is most relevant to: Professional athletes.
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
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only nine trials were eligible, limiting generalizability
- ▸Variability in study designs (timing, dose, habitual use) prevented meta-analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Does caffeine always harm sleep in athletes?▼
No, the effects vary based on timing of consumption relative to sleep and exercise, habitual caffeine use, and dose.
What sleep parameters are affected by caffeine in athletes?▼
The review assessed sleep quality, quantity, efficiency, number of awakenings, sleep onset latency, and insomnia.
How many studies were included in this review?▼
Nine randomized controlled trials were included from 1469 records.
Should athletes avoid caffeine entirely?▼
Not necessarily; the review suggests that supplementation should consider individual responses to avoid adverse effects on sleep and recovery.
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