Influence of Caffeine Consumption on the Human Circadian System
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-12-17
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
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.