The influence of energy drinks on sleep patterns in adolescents : a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial period of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. Sleep health is vital during this stage, yet many adolescents experience insufficient sleep, with energy drinks (EDs) contributing significantly to this issue. Method: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. We searched Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO for studies on ED consumption and sleep among adolescents aged 10-19. From 218 identified records, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on study design, sample characteristics, outcome measures, and main findings. Results: The review included 18 studies with 188,322 adolescents from 13 countries. Findings indicated that adolescent boys consumed more EDs than girls and that older adolescents had higher consumption rates. Most studies used subjective self-questionnaires to measure outcomes. Consistently, ED consumption was linked to poorer sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and adverse health behaviours. Chronic ED consumption was associated with increased daytime dysfunction, behavioural issues, and mental health problems, such as stress and depression. Conclusion: The review highlights findings of the negative impact of ED consumption on adolescent sleep and overall health. Frequent ED consumption leads to insufficient sleep, which in turn exacerbates health issues. Public health interventions, including education and policy regulations, are essential to mitigate these risks and promote healthier habits among adolescents. Addressing ED consumption is crucial for improving sleep health and overall well-being in this population.