A pilot study investigating the impact of a caffeine-nap on alertness during a simulated night shift. (2nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Centofanti, Stephanie; Banks, Siobhan; Coussens, Scott; Gray, Darren; Munro, Emily; Nielsen, Johnathon; Dorrian, Jillian
• Is Part Of: Chronobiology international. Volume 37:Number 9/10(2020)
• Page Start: 1469
• Page End: 1473
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02
• Subjects: Coffee -- fatigue countermeasure -- napping -- shiftwork -- sleep inertia; Chronobiology -- Periodicals; Biological rhythms -- Periodicals; Circadian rhythms -- Periodicals; 571.77
• DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1804922
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-0528

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Consuming coffee immediately prior to a nap, known as a caffeine-nap, has been shown to improve alertness during the day, but it is unknown whether a caffeine-nap is effective at reducing sleep inertia during the night. A simulated shiftwork cross-over laboratory study was conducted whereby participants (N = 6, 4 F, 21–36y) consumed 200 mg of caffeine, or decaffeinated coffee (placebo), immediately prior to a 30 min nap opportunity at 03:30 h. Compared to placebo, the caffeine-nap resulted in improved vigilant attention and subjective fatigue in the 45 min post-nap opportunity. The caffeine-nap may be useful in reducing sleep inertia in shift workers who nap on nightshift.