Introduction

Caffeine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance, is one of the most widely consumed stimulants
globally, commonly found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate (Nehlig & Cunha, 2023). Its
primary mechanism of action involves the blockade of adenosine receptors (A1 and A2A), which inhibits
sleep-inducing pathways and promotes wakefulness (Gardiner et al., 2023). This results in the release of
neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing mood, alertness, and cognitive
performance (Manippa et al., 2023). Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching peak
bioavailability within 30–120 minutes, and its effects can last for several hours, depending on individual
metabolism and dosage (Clark & Landolt, 2021). While low to moderate doses of caffeine (1–6 mg/kg)
have been shown to improve physical performance and cognitive functioning, excessive consumption (>9
mg/kg) can lead to adverse effects such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and dependency (Jafari et al., 2024;
Mahoney et al., 2023).

University students, particularly those aged 18–24, represent a demographic with high caffeine
consumption due to academic pressures, irregular sleep patterns, and the need for sustained mental
alertness (Juliano & Griffiths, 2018). Research indicates that caffeine is often used as a coping mechanism
to manage stress, enhance focus, and combat sleep deprivation (Mahoney et al., 2023). However, the
timing and dosage of caffeine intake play a critical role in determining its effects on sleep quality and
cognitive functioning. For instance, consuming caffeine late in the day can delay sleep onset, reduce sleep
duration, and impair sleep quality, leading to a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and increased caffeine
reliance (Gardiner et al., 2023; Clark & Landolt, 2021). This is particularly concerning for university
students, who often rely on caffeine to stay awake during late-night study sessions, inadvertently
exacerbating their sleep deficits and cognitive impairments (Bottenheft et al., 2023).

Sleep quality is a critical determinant of optimal cognitive functioning, influencing processes such as
attention, memory consolidation, and decision-making (Nehlig & Cunha, 2023). During sleep, the brain
undergoes restorative processes, including metabolic clearance, synaptic pruning, and memory
consolidation, which are essential for learning and academic performance (Gardiner et al., 2023). Poor
sleep quality, characterized by delayed sleep onset, frequent awakenings, and reduced sleep duration, has
been linked to impairments in cognitive tasks such as problem-solving, memory retention, and
information processing (Clark & Landolt, 2021). For university students, chronic sleep deprivation can
lead to decreased academic performance, reduced ability to retain new information, and long-term mental
health issues (Mahoney et al., 2023). While caffeine can temporarily mitigate the cognitive deficits
associated with sleep deprivation by enhancing alertness and attention, its prolonged use can disrupt sleep
patterns and create a dependency cycle, further compromising cognitive functioning (Jafari et al., 2024).

Despite the widespread use of caffeine among university students, there is a paucity of research
examining the interplay between caffeine consumption, sleep quality, and cognitive functioning in this
population. Existing studies have primarily focused on the general adult population or specific subgroups,
such as athletes or shift workers, with limited attention to the unique stressors and lifestyle patterns of
university students (Nehlig & Cunha, 2023; Gardiner et al., 2023). Furthermore, while some studies have
explored the effects of caffeine on sleep and cognition independently, few have investigated the combined
impact of these factors in a single cohort (Bottenheft et al., 2023). This gap in the literature highlights the
need for targeted research to understand how caffeine consumption patterns (e.g., dosage, timing)
influence sleep quality and cognitive performance among university students, particularly in the context
of their academic demands and lifestyle choices.

The present study aims to address this gap by examining the relationship between caffeine consumption,
sleep quality, and cognitive functioning among university students aged 18–24. Specifically, the study
seeks to: (1) assess the relationship between caffeine intake and sleep quality, and (2) analyze the effect of
caffeine intake on cognitive functioning. It is hypothesized that caffeine intake has a significant impact on
sleep quality and cognitive functioning among university students. By exploring these relationships, this
study aims to provide valuable insights into the optimal use of caffeine to enhance academic performance
while minimizing its adverse effects on sleep and overall health.

The findings of this study have important implications for university students, educators, and health
professionals. Understanding the effects of caffeine consumption on sleep and cognition can inform
evidence-based recommendations for students to manage their caffeine intake effectively. For instance,
identifying the optimal timing and dosage of caffeine consumption could help students maximize its
cognitive benefits while avoiding sleep disruptions. Additionally, the study’s results could contribute to
the development of educational programs and interventions aimed at promoting healthy sleep habits and
reducing caffeine dependency among university students. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance the
academic performance and overall well-being of students by providing practical strategies for balancing
caffeine use with sleep and cognitive health.
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