Effects Of Caffeine Intake And Withdrawal On Headache Patterns, Sleep Quality, And Mood Stability Amongst Medical Students Of India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:Caffeine is widely consumed by medical students to enhance alertness, especially during academic stress. However, excessive intake and abrupt withdrawal can lead to adverse effects, including headaches, sleep disturbances, and mood instability. Studies suggest that caffeine affects adenosine receptors, influencing sleep cycles and headache susceptibility. While global research highlights these concerns, data specific to Indian medical students remain limited.Medical students in India often rely on caffeine to cope with academic demands, yet its effects on their headache patterns, sleep quality, and mood stability are not well-documented. Understanding these impacts is crucial for promoting healthier consumption habits and mitigating withdrawal-related discomfort.

Aims & Objectives:The study targets to evaluate the effects of caffeine intake and withdrawal on headache patterns, sleep quality, and mood stability among medical students in India.The Study Objectives examine different patterns of Caffeine consumption prevalent in Indian MBBS students& getting insights into Gender wise & Professional year wise variation in the Study Outcome

Materials &Methods:Upon Institutional Ethics Committee approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 medical students across all the years,enrolled in Smt.BhikhibenKanjibhai Shah Medical Institute & Research centre, Piparia,Vadodara,Gujaratin India. Data were collected using validated questionnaires & Assessment of Headache Intensity,Sleep Quality & Mood Stability was done using Standardized Open access Scales like Numeric Rating Scale –NRS,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21 respectively. The effects of regular caffeine intake and withdrawal symptoms were analyzed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics.

Results:Regular caffeine consumers reported a reduction in headache intensity, while withdrawal led to increased headache severity.Majority (46.78%) of students who consumed caffeine regularly had reduced sleep duration (4-6 hours/night) and experienced difficulty in falling and staying asleep.Caffeine consumption was associated with increased focus, alertness, and concentration, but withdrawal led to increased daytime sleepiness, lack of motivation, and mood disturbances. ANOVA results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in headache intensity, sleep quality, and mood stability between caffeine users and those experiencing withdrawal.Conclusion:This study highlights “the dual effects of caffeine”—while it enhances wakefulness and cognitive function, its withdrawal can severely impact headache patterns, sleep quality, and mood stability. Medical students should be encouraged to adopt moderate and regulated caffeine consumption while exploring “alternative strategies” for managing alertness and stress