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.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Does caffeine supplementation affect sleep in athletes? A systematic review of nine randomized controlled trials.
observationalBodur M, Barkell J, Li X, Sajadi Hezaveh Z · Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2025)
Result:
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠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.
Products
Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.
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