title: The effects of caffeine abstinence on sleep: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine whether caffeine abstinence in the evening could improve the sleep quality of those who habitually consume coffee.
  
  
  METHODS
  A double-blind control group design (caffeine and caffeine-free groups).
  
  
  METHODS
  A university.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sampling of 10 students (mean age 21.4 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  It was a 14-day experiment. For the first 7 days, all participants consumed caffeinated coffee. In the following 7 days, subjects consumed caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee according to their assigned group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sleep-wake parameters, self-reported sleep quality and level of refreshment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences (p>.05) among the data of the two groups identified. No significant changes (p>.05) were found in the sleep quality of either group during the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms that caffeine abstinence in the evening might not be helpful in sleep promotion. It highlights the need to implement evidence-based practice in health promotion.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. jacqueline.ho@polyu.edu.hk
authors.forename: Shuk Ching
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Joanne Wai Yee
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012890:Sleep; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002110:Caffeine