Energy drinks consumption and sleeping quality of students’ universities of the Chiclayo province, Peru

Introduction

Around the world there are some researches that helped to direct the study. As Tomanic et al. (2022), in Serbia, who indicated that energy drink (ED) consumption in adolescents is driven by advertising and widespread accessibility. The main consequence is poor sleep quality, along with psychiatric causes such as severe anxiety, depression, and headaches. In young adults, consumption of EDs containing caffeine, taurine, and glucuronolactone increased platelet aggregation and decreased endothelial function.

On the other hand, Di Martino et al. (2024) in Italy identified that ED consumption among university students is due to the perceived positive effects on mood and stress reduction during the pandemic. The most visible effect was an increase in sleep disorders, directly damaging academic performance. In addition, physical symptoms such as nausea and tachycardia and mental effects such as irritability and anxiety were reported, especially when combining energy drinks with alcohol.

Similarly, Riera-Sampol et al. (2022) comment that in Spain, the high consumption of BE is due to its easy accessibility. University students consume them to alleviate fatigue, increase concentration, and improve academic performance. However, there was an increase in the prevalence of poor sleep quality, which affects concentration and performance.

Furthermore, according to Gonzales et al. (2025), in Colombia, constant advertising campaigns and easy access to stimulants have increased their popularity among university students. As a consequence, they cause acute clinical conditions such as palpitations and insomnia, as well as endocrine, renal, and cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension and arrhythmias.

Nationally, Mendoza et al. (2021), in Lima, indicate that stimulant use is directly related to insomnia symptoms, with a 1.78 times greater risk among users. Reported harmful effects include poor sleep hygiene, headaches, nausea, chest pain, and tachycardia. This highlights that stimulants are a risk factor for optimal rest among the Peruvian university population.

Delving deeper into the Peruvian context, Rodrigo and Rojas (2024) in Huánuco, recorded that stimulant use is employed to prioritize study time or to stay awake. At the same time, the risk of headaches was 2.75 times higher, and sleep quality worsened 3.84 times more. This suggests that sacrificing sleep for academic performance is a widespread practice.

Similarly, Reyes et al. (2024), analyzing universities in Áncash and Lima, indicated that sociodemographic factors, such as age and sex, significantly influence the frequency and reasons for consumption. Among the most common motivations are reducing sleep, using stimulants during exam periods, improving physical performance, and maintaining hydration. High or habitual stimulant intake can cause, in the short term, episodes of stress, anxiety, and insomnia, and in the long term, exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as heart problems or diabetes. In the local area of Chiclayo, high stimulant consumption has been identified among students in academically demanding programs. This intake is associated with the intention of reducing fatigue and extending study time. These stimulants negatively alter the sleep-wake cycle, generating a temporary state of alertness related to sleep disorders and anxiety. This situation aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Therefore, the question arises: What is the relationship between the consumption of energy drinks and sleep quality in university students in Chiclayo, 2025?

The research is theoretically supported by the work of Sandua (2024), who argues that caffeine and stimulants modify the sleep-wake cycle, delaying its onset and reducing the duration and quality of rest. On a practical level, the research contributes by recognizing the link between variables in order to propose actions aimed at promoting responsible habits and consumption within the community. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between energy drink consumption and sleep quality among university students in Chiclayo in 2025, showing consumption levels, describing sleep quality, and examining the relationship between its dimensions.

Theoretical framework

Troya et al. (2024) determined that energy drink consumption among university students was strongly associated with sex, with 77% of consumption occurring in men. It was concluded that academic pressure and stress are significant and relevant psychological factors that particularly encourage students with higher levels of effort to consume these drinks to cope with the demands of their academic training.

In the same year, Bendini et al. (2024), in a study focused on medical students, found that 65.8% presented poor sleep quality and 67.7% abnormal daytime sleepiness. It was also observed that students who consumed energy drinks had greater difficulty falling asleep, in contrast to those who did not consume them and slept longer at night.

In line with this, Cala et al. (2023) established a significant association between energy drinks consumption and insomnia, with a prevalence of 43.9% among postgraduate health students. The study concluded that BE consumption increases the risk of insomnia by 1.7 times.

Similarly, Bressan et al. (2024), in a study investigating the prevalence of alcohol consumption among medical students, found that 74.12% of this population consumed alcohol, with the main occasions of consumption being before or during exam weeks (67.5%), at parties (63.2%), and during daily study sessions (55.6%). 64.5% reported side effects, and 74.6% continued consuming these beverages despite knowing their adverse effects. Therefore, it was concluded that alcohol is considered an option to enhance academic performance.

In turn, Espinosa et al. (2025) determined a direct correlation between alcohol consumption and the deterioration of health and academic performance, concluding that these findings are relevant for the implementation of institutional programs focused on reducing the consumption of such beverages.

Similarly, Kaldenbach et al. (2024) showed that BE consumption was notably associated with negative sleep indicators. Daily consumption was linked to a sleep duration of less than six hours, greater initial difficulty falling asleep, and difficulty falling back asleep after achieving sleep.

By the way, Riera et al. (2022) found that caffeine consumption, including energy drinks, is a crucial cofactor for the negative self-perception of sleep quality and rest among university students; they also identified that energy drinks are primarily consumed by men.

In an opposite way, Rosado et al. (2025) did not find a direct and general relationship between energy drink consumption and the perceived health of their respondents. Based on these results, they concluded that addressing the issue of energy drink consumption among the university population requires considering the students' context.

On the other hand, the following hypothesis was proposed: there is a relationship between the consumption of energy drinks and sleep quality in university students in the city of Chiclayo in 2025.

Methodology

Results

Discussion - Conclusions - Recommendations

In line with the general objective, it is concluded that there is a strong, negative, inverse association between energy drink consumption and sleeping quality in university students in Chiclayo. This result implies that, as energy drink consumption increases, sleeping quality tends to decline, suggesting that consumption of these stimulants is a significant risk factor with a negative impact. These findings are similar to the results of studies conducted in other contexts, such as Kaldenbach et al. (2024), who found a negative and high relationship between the variables in Noruega. This suggests that the problem may be present regardless of socioeconomic status or quality of life. It is recommended that local health center directors be involved in the design and implementation of preventive measures aimed at reducing energy drinks consumption among the Chiclayo university’s population, as well as promoting healthy rest and sleep hygiene practices, thereby strengthening local public health.

Regarding specific objective 1, a marked pattern of moderate to high consumption of energy drinks was identified in the vast majority of university students, with more than half of those surveyed reporting medium or high levels of consumption. This predominant behavior suggests that the consumption of these products has become a widespread and normalized practice in the local university academic context, possibly as a recurring strategy to perform well in the face of academic demands. This practice reflects a disconnect between high consumption and health. This analysis connects with Troya et al. (2024) study, who in Venezuela, discovered that many university students by drinking these stimulants find a way out of stress and academic pressure. Therefore, it is recommended that, through education and prevention strategies led by local university administrators, the purchase and sale of these beverages within the university be avoided or restricted to mitigate the potential risks associated with this behavior on university health.

In addition to the above, in relation to specific objective 2, it was observed that the quality of sleep among university students was predominantly average to low. This situation is concerning, as it indicates that a large part of the university population experiences insufficient sleep quality, probably due to the academic workload characteristic of this stage of education and unhealthy lifestyles. This finding may be attached to Bendini et al. (2024) study, who established that poor sleeping quality among Brazilian students was caused by their energy drinks consumption. This can be taken as an indicative of a public health problem that could affect the well-being, performance, and long-term health of this population sector. In view of this, it is urgently recommended that the Peruvian Minister of Health become involved in the development of sleep hygiene policies and ensure the provision of special rest areas or zones in higher education institutions, highlighting the importance of nighttime rest as a fundamental component of the overall health of the university community.

Finally, with respect to specific objective 3, an inverse, negative, and significant relationship was identified between the three dimensions of energy drink consumption and sleep quality. The correlation found was very strong for the consumption dimension, which shows that the regularity and daily nature with which students have assimilated this practice constitutes a relevant risk factor. The reasons for consumption suggest that the underlying causes are related to a need for greater energy performance, creating a vicious circle of dependence. This interpretation is clearly reflected with Cala et al. (2023) study, who conclude that constant consumption of these drinks could go further worse on the Colombian students’ sleep quality, who just want to get a sense of control on their grades even if they damage their health in the path. Likewise, the perceived effects indicate that, despite students being aware of the adverse effects such as insomnia and anxiety, they continue to engage in this practice. It is recommended that the Minister of Education address this issue comprehensively, focusing on preventing the consumption of energy drinks and raising awareness among the university population that the perceived effects of long-term consumption lead to a decline in academic performance and aggravate health problems.

Ethics and consent

The research was conducted with a sample of 373 students selected from the target university population. The process began with the request and receipt of written informed consent. Prior to this, each participant was given a detailed explanation of the objectives, methodology, and procedures involved in the study. This work is based on respect for sound ethical principles, ensuring intellectual honesty in the collection and truthful use of the data obtained.

The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles enshrined in the Declaration of Helsinki and relevant national regulations. Study subjects were provided with clear instructions on the purpose of the research. Likewise, their right to withdraw from participation at any time and without negative consequences was guaranteed. The confidentiality of the information provided was maintained throughout the development and subsequent conclusion of the work.

All individuals gave their informed consent before beginning their collaboration. To this end, they were given a document detailing the objectives, procedures, benefits, possible risks, and confidentiality assurances. The research was conducted in compliance with the approval granted by the Institutional Ethics Committee of César Vallejo University. This committee determined that no exemption from the consent process was appropriate, as it was essential for each participant to express their agreement explicitly and formally, given that the methodology used was a questionnaire.

To ensure the confidentiality of the information, responses were coded instead of using personal names, thus eliminating any potential for individual identification of respondents. Additionally, it is reaffirmed that the study does not include medical interventions or experimental procedures that could compromise the safety or well-being of the students. In this way, the protection and care of the subjects involved was ensured in accordance with established guidelines.

Furthermore, participants were assured of confidentiality that protected their identities and provided them with the right to withdraw their participation at any time without facing negative consequences. Risks associated with personal and sensitive data were mitigated through the use of coded responses.