- With Mayo Clinic sleep specialist
Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D.
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Question
Sleep apnea and caffeine: Any connection?
My husband decided to stop drinking soda. Since then, his obstructive sleep apnea has improved. Is there research to support a connection between sleep apnea and caffeine?
Answer
from Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D.
Researchers haven't implicated caffeine as a factor that causes or aggravates obstructive sleep apnea. In one study, however, caffeine seemed to improve mental alertness in people who have obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, caffeine is sometimes prescribed for premature infants to reduce episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep.
These lifestyle changes may help manage some cases of obstructive sleep apnea:
- Lose excess weight.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid medications that relax the muscles in the back of the throat.
- Sleep on your side or stomach rather than on your back.
Often, however, devices are needed to keep the airway open. In other cases, surgery is recommended.
- Morgenthaler TI (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 25, 2008.
- Norman D, et al. Caffeine intake is independently associated with neuropsychological performance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep & Breathing. 2008;12:199.
- Thilo EH, et al. The newborn infant. In: Hay WW Jr, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3396809&searchStr=apnea+of+prematurity#3396809. Accessed Aug. 25, 2010.
- Treatment options for adults with obstructive sleep apnea. American Sleep Apnea Association. http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/treatment.html. Accessed Aug. 25, 2010.
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