Caffeine use disorder has a direct effect on sleep problems and an indirect effect through depressive symptoms among university students
In a cross-sectional study of 530 Bangladeshi university students, nearly 72% reported caffeine consumption. Structural equation modeling showed that caffeine use disorder (CUD) had a significant direct effect on sleep problems and an indirect effect through depressive symptoms, while caffeine use motives did not directly affect sleep disturbance.
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Caffeine use disorder has a direct effect on sleep problems and an indirect effect through depressive symptoms among university students The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Caffeine use disorder has a direct effect on sleep problems and an indirect effect through depressive symptoms among university students
This conclusion is most relevant to: University students in Bangladesh (mean age 21.76 years, 56.8% male).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸From caffeine use motives to sleep disturbance: network and structural equation modeling of caffeine use disorder and depression among caffeine consumers. (Addictive behaviors reports, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Caffeine consumption leads to caffeine use disorder symptoms (e.g., impaired control, tolerance, withdrawal)
- ▸Caffeine use disorder symptoms contribute to depressive symptoms
- ▸Depressive symptoms are closely linked to sleep problems (e.g., suicidal ideation, concentration difficulties)
- ▸Result: CUD directly and indirectly (via depression) affects sleep problems
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸University students in Bangladesh (mean age 21.76 years, 56.8% male)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Self-reported measures may introduce recall bias
- ▸Sample limited to university students, limiting generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prevalence of caffeine consumption among Bangladeshi university students?▼
Nearly 72% of the 530 students surveyed reported consuming caffeine.
Does caffeine use disorder directly affect sleep problems?▼
Yes, the study found a significant direct effect of caffeine use disorder on sleep problems.
Do caffeine use motives directly affect sleep disturbance?▼
No, the study found that motives did not directly affect sleep disturbance; their effect was likely mediated through other factors.
What are the key bridge symptoms between caffeine use disorder and depression?▼
Craving and self-reward motives acted as key bridge nodes in the network analysis.
References
- 1.Islam Dola ST, Najnin F, Amin MB, Sikder MS, Vangi MJ, Naeem J, Rony MJI, Takia MMR, Kamruzzaman M, Sayeed A, Islam MS, Ether ST. “From caffeine use motives to sleep disturbance: network and structural equation modeling of caffeine use disorder and depression among caffeine consumers..” Addictive behaviors reports, 2026. PMID: 42571332 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2026.100729