Quality of sleep in Trinidad among the adult population

Objective: Sleep is a determinant of a positive life which is heavily influenced by the individual's lifestyle. The objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the quality of sleep among the Trinidad population and effects of associated demographics; (ii) assess the determinants of poor sleep quantity and quality; and (iii) evaluate participant's knowledge about sleep and importance of sleep. Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study among the residents of Trinidad aged 18 and above was conducted from 18th May 2018 to 30th June 2018. Nonprobability convenience sampling was utilized to obtain information at public malls including: Trincity Mall, Gulf City Mall, Long Circular Mall, West mall and Valpark Mall. Results: 1505 participants were interviewed with 56.1% being poor sleepers while 43.9% were good sleepers. Participants over 40 years were found to have the lowest percentage of good sleepers. Diabetes Mellitus and sex were not found to be a significant determinant of sleep quality (p= 0.865; p=0.351 respectively). Employment status was associated with sleep quality (p <0.001). Night shift workers were more likely than other persons to report bad sleep quality was. Persons who lived in noisy areas and were also poor sleepers. Conclusion: The determinants of sleep quality in the adult Trinidad population were found to be older age, night shift workers and persons who lived in noisy areas or streets.

Caffeine use and the side effects associated with its use among adolescents of Trinidad

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of the use of products containing caffeine, the side effects associated with this use and whether there was a relationship between the development of side effects and the dose of caffeine consumed among an adolescent population in Trinidad. A threshold level of daily caffeine consumption was being sought in this population to establish when there is likely to be an increase in side effects being experienced. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done using a convenience sampling strategy. A de novo questionnaire was self-administered to adolescents 18-20 years old. Questions included a one week caffeine recall for the participants, side effects and the timing of these side effects related to the use of the caffeinated products. RESULTS: The response rate was 391/412 (94.9%). The most common source of caffeine for this population was from beverages (67.5%).Significant dose dependent relationships between the dose of weekly caffeine consumed and the frequency of occurrence of palpitations (p=0.001) and the frequency of sleep disturbances (p=0.001) were observed. Doses of weekly caffeine consumption of > 428.5mg were significantly predictors for headaches, restlessness and anxiety in this population; OR (95% CI) [1.7(1.03, 2.74), 2.3(1.3, 4.0), 1.8(1.1, 2.9)] respectively. CONCLUSION: Caffeinated products mainly from beverages were commonly consumed by adolescents. Side effects like palpitations, sleep disturbances, restlessness and headaches were significantly more often reported above a threshold of 428.5mg/week. Daily caffeine intake in this adolescent population should be recommended to be less than this threshold in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of these side effects.

The timing of side effects associated with caffeine use in adolescents: acute effects or withdrawal symptoms?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the timing of side effects related to caffeine use in adolescents. It also serves to determine adolescents’ perception as to what food product or medication they believed caused the side effects. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done using a convenience sampling strategy. A de novo questionnaire was self-administered to adolescents 18-20 years old. Questions included a one week caffeine recall for the participants, side effects, the timing of these side effects related to the use of the caffeinated products and which product the participants associated with the development of the side effects. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 391/405 (95.6%). The response rate varied from 19.5% to 45.3% for the various adverse events experienced. Headaches (68.9%), palpitations(81.4%), restlessness (67.5%), nausea/vomiting (66.7%), polyuria (84.6%), tremors (75%) and anxiety (62.5%) were reported to occur more commonly within 4 hours of consumption of caffeinated products and these symptoms were attributed to coffee, tea and chocolate beverages. Depression (66.7%) occurred more commonly between 4-24 hours after consumption and was attributed to colas and energy drinks. Sleep disturbances (55.7%) occurred within 4 hours of caffeine consumption. CONCLUSION: Side effects reported by adolescent participants: palpitations, polyuria, nausea, tremors, anxiety and restlessness were mainly due to the acute effect of caffeine. Participants attributed most of these symptoms to coffee, teas and chocolate drinks. Depression was a withdrawal symptom attributed more to colas and energy drinks by the adolescents. Sleep disturbances could have been related to both the acute and withdrawal effects of caffeine.