Impact of Caffeine Consumption on Sleeping Hours and Stress Scale among Anesthesiologists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Due to its stimulatory effects, caffeine is one of the most frequently consumed mood and behavior altering beverages. It is commonly used to improve alertness in cases of fatigue after prolonged work. Health authorities recommend not to exceed a daily intake of <200 mg/day. The purpose of this study is to measure the prevalence of unsafe caffeine daily consumption (>200 mg/day), detect caffeine withdrawal and intoxication symptoms, and investigate the relationship between caffeine intake and stress and sleeping hours. Methods: 168 anesthesiologists answered a questionnaire during the period of April to July 2022. After estimating daily consumption of caffeine, anesthesiologists were classified into either safe level group (daily consumption ≤ 200 mg/day), or unsafe level group (daily consumption >200 mg/day); then, further analysis was done. Results: Almost 80% of the total participants were unsafe consumers. Junior doctors and registrars (group J) had a statistically higher caffeine consumption than consultants (group S) (433.9±228.7 mg versus 363.6±244.5 mg, respectively; P=0.017). Additionally, 45% of group J experienced intoxication symptoms, and 54% experienced withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms had a significantly higher prevalence in group J compared to group S (P=0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). Finally, no significant correlation was found between average daily caffeine consumption and daily sleeping hours and stress scale score (P=0.831 and P=0.324, respectively). Conclusion: The consumption of caffeine-containing drinks among anesthesiologists was very high. Junior anesthesiologists specifically reported higher caffeine consumption, more intoxication and withdrawal symptoms, and a higher stress score than consultants.