Coffee and caffeine consumption and their association with cognitive function, sleep, and academic performance among adolescents: a narrative review

Miftahul Jannah* -  Nutrition Program, Faculty of Health and Science, Batam International University, Batam, Indonesia
Wahyu Aulia Hasibuan -  Nutrition Program, Faculty of Health and Science, Batam International University, Batam, Indonesia
Prananingrum Kinasih -  Nutrition Program, Faculty of Health and Science, Batam International University,, Batam, Indonesia
Honey Yahdillah -  Nutrition Program, Faculty of Health and Science, Batam International University, Batam, Indonesia
Jihan Alfira -  Nutrition Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bina Bangsa University, Serang, Indonesia
DOI : 10.30867/action.v11i3.3368

Caffeinated beverage consumption is common among adolescents and may influence their attention, sleep, and academic functioning. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the relationship between coffee and caffeine consumption and cognition, attention, sleep, and academic performance among adolescents. This literature review searched PubMed and ScienceDirect for English-language, peer-reviewed articles published from July 2016 through June 2026. Eleven articles were retained: five adolescent studies, one multi-population systematic review used as background evidence, and five young adult studies used as contextual comparators. The findings were synthesized narratively by outcome domain. Results: Acute caffeine administration was associated with dose-dependent improvements in sustained attention. In contrast, habitual or late-day food intake is associated with poor sleep quality or short sleep duration. Young adult studies have shown similar patterns, although their findings are not directly generalizable to adolescents. Evidence directly linking caffeine intake to adolescent academic performance is limited and largely observational. In conclusion, caffeine may provide short-term attentional benefits; however, intake timing and habitual use may compromise sleep, which is an important determinant of adolescent functioning. More rigorous adolescent-specific studies are required.

Keywords : Academic performance, adolescents, caffeine, cognition, sleep quality

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Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Miftahul Jannah, Wahyu Aulia Hasibuan, Prananingrum Kinasih, Honey Yahdillah, Jihan Alfira
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