Influence of Caffeine Consumption on the Human Circadian System: Neurobehavioral, Hormonal and Cerebral Mechanisms
Abstract
Surveys indicate that 85% of the adult population consume caffeine on a daily basis. Caffeine acts on sleep homeostatic mechanisms by antagonizing the sleep factor adenosine. Whether and how caffeine also impacts on the circadian regulation of sleep and -wakefulness is fairly unexplored. This study quantifies the influence of regular caffeine intake and its cessation on circadian promotion of sleep and wakefulness, on circadian hormonal markers, well-being, neurobehavioral performance and associated cerebral mechanisms. The knowledge is expected to contribute important insights on recent societal changes in sleep-wake behavior (e.g., shorter sleep duration and delayed sleep phase) and the related increase in people suffering from sleep problems.
Conditions: Caffeine, Caffeine Withdrawal, Sleep, Circadian Rhythm.
Primary outcome: Sleep polysomnography in normal baseline sleep; Sleep polysomnography in an evening nap; Sleep polysomnography in a recovery sleep; Wake-EEG; Melatonin levels; Subjective sleepiness; Vigilance; Vigilance-related blood oxygen level-dependent activities; Working memory-related blood oxygen level-dependent activities; Blood oxygen level-dependent activities in resting state.
Enrollment: 20 participants.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 20 participants or records.
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