Abstract
Background: Sleep needs are individualized and can vary from person to person. Adults should sleep for seven or more hours per night regularly to promote optimal health. Caffeine is a commonly consumed stimulant and it is commonly used as a fatigue relaxant and most people use it in the morning just after waking up or to keep alert during the daytime.
Aim: To assess effect of caffeine on sleep among medical students at King Faisal University ; Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: The study was conducted among students in College of m=Medicine at King Faisal University in Al-hassa in Saudi Arabia. Initially a sample size of 200 was targeted. A total of 206 responses were received. Students with chronic health problems altering sleep and those with mental disorders were excluded. Data were collected using a prestructured questionnaire that was developed by the authors after intensive literature review and experts' consultation. The questionnaire covered students' personal data, caffeine consumption and source, and sleep quality. The questionnaire was distributed via internet social media.
Results: There were 115 (55.8%) female and 91 (44.2%) male respondents. The majority of the respondents (51.9%) belonged to age group 18years. The majority of the students; 140 (68.0%); responded not having any problem in going to sleep; while 66 (32.0%) students responded of having difficulty in going to sleep. Consuming more than 250 mg of caffeine had an effect on different aspects of sleep. It was significantly related with sleep hours of students (P=0.008): while there was no significant effect on sleep induction and sleep pattern (P=0.121).
Conclusions: In conclusion, the study showed that there was a relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep. The sleep hours were decreased in people who drank more than 250mg of caffeine.