Sleep apnea and caffeine: Any connection?

Date Updated: 05/25/2021

Answer Section

A couple of studies have looked at the potential connections between caffeine use and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

One study showed that caffeinated soda use may be associated with more severe sleep-disordered breathing, such as OSA. But tea or coffee use didn't appear to be associated with more severe sleep-disordered breathing.

In another study, caffeine seemed to improve thinking (cognitive) function in people with obstructive sleep apnea.

In addition, doctors sometimes prescribe caffeine for premature infants to reduce episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep.

But more study is needed to understand how caffeine use affects people with OSA.

Meanwhile, making lifestyle changes may help manage some cases of obstructive sleep apnea. These include:

Losing excess weight
Avoiding alcohol
Avoiding medications that relax the muscles in the back of your throat
Sleeping on your side or stomach rather than on your back

If lifestyle changes don't help, treatment with an oral appliance or other device may be needed to keep the airway open in people with OSA. In certain cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure.