According to Gram Research analysis, nearly 7 out of 10 university students in Bangladesh drink caffeine daily, with 34% consuming it once daily and 34.8% consuming it two to three times daily. A 2024 cross-sectional study found that tea is the primary source (82.6% of students), followed by coffee (35.8%), and that students use caffeine mainly to enhance focus and manage academic stress. Female students reported significantly higher consumption rates than males, and increased caffeine intake was linked to sleep disturbances and muscle pain, raising concerns about potential dependence among young people.
A new study of university students in Bangladesh reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 students drink caffeine daily, mostly through tea and coffee. Researchers found that students use caffeine to stay focused during stressful academic periods, but many experience side effects like sleep problems and muscle pain. Female students reported higher caffeine consumption than males. The study highlights growing concerns about caffeine dependence among young people and suggests that students need better education about how much caffeine is safe to consume.
Key Statistics
A 2024 cross-sectional study of university students in Bangladesh found that 68.8% of students consume caffeine at least once daily, with tea being the preferred source at 82.6% and coffee at 35.8%.
According to research reviewed by Gram, 90.2% of university students in Bangladesh reported habitual caffeine consumption, using it primarily to enhance academic focus and manage stress.
A 2024 study of Bangladeshi university students found that increased caffeine consumption was significantly associated with sleep disturbances and muscle pain, suggesting potential physical dependence among regular users.
Female university students in Bangladesh reported higher caffeine consumption rates than male students, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.2 in a 2024 cross-sectional analysis.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much caffeine college students drink, where it comes from, and what side effects they experience
- Who participated: University students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, aged 18 and older (average age 23 years). The study surveyed students from various universities during June to September 2024
- Key finding: About 69% of students drink caffeine at least once daily, with tea being the most common source (83%), followed by coffee (36%). Female students drank significantly more caffeine than male students
- What it means for you: If you’re a college student, you’re likely consuming caffeine regularly—often without realizing how much. Understanding your caffeine habits can help you avoid sleep problems, muscle pain, and dependence. However, this study only looked at one time period, so more research is needed to confirm these patterns over time
The Research Details
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey, which is like taking a snapshot of a group at one moment in time. They randomly selected university students from various colleges in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and asked them detailed questions about their caffeine consumption using a validated questionnaire (a survey that has been tested for accuracy). The survey collected information about students’ backgrounds, how much caffeine they consumed, how often they drank it, and what side effects they experienced. The researchers then used statistical software to analyze the data and look for patterns, such as whether certain groups of students (like females versus males) drank more caffeine than others.
Cross-sectional studies are useful for identifying patterns and problems in a population quickly and affordably. This approach allowed researchers to capture how widespread caffeine use is among students and connect it to health problems. However, because it’s a snapshot rather than following students over time, it can’t prove that caffeine directly causes the problems—only that they occur together
The study used a validated questionnaire, which increases reliability. However, the exact sample size wasn’t reported, making it harder to assess how representative the findings are. The study was conducted in Bangladesh only, so results may not apply to students in other countries with different caffeine cultures. The researchers used appropriate statistical methods (logistic regression) to identify associations between caffeine use and other factors
What the Results Show
The study found that caffeine consumption is extremely common among university students in Bangladesh. Approximately 34% of students drink caffeine once daily, while 34.8% consume it two to three times per day—meaning nearly 7 out of 10 students have caffeine at least once daily. Tea is by far the most popular source (82.6% of students), followed by coffee (35.8%). This makes sense because tea is culturally important in Bangladesh and is often cheaper and more accessible than coffee.
Female students reported significantly higher caffeine consumption rates than male students, though the difference was modest. Students from non-nutrition backgrounds (those not studying nutrition science) also consumed more caffeine than nutrition students, possibly because nutrition students have more education about caffeine’s effects.
The study revealed that 90.2% of students reported habitual caffeine consumption, meaning they drink it regularly as part of their routine. Most students (the majority) said they use caffeine to enhance focus and manage academic stress—a logical choice given the demanding nature of university coursework.
Important side effects emerged from the data. Students who consumed more caffeine reported higher rates of muscle pain and sleep disturbances. These findings suggest that regular caffeine use may lead to physical dependence, where the body becomes accustomed to caffeine and experiences problems without it. Sleep problems are particularly concerning because good sleep is essential for learning and academic performance—the very thing students are trying to improve by drinking caffeine.
This research adds to growing global evidence that caffeine consumption among young people is increasing. Previous studies in other countries have documented similar patterns of high caffeine use among students, though the specific sources (tea versus coffee) vary by culture. This Bangladesh study is valuable because it provides the first detailed look at caffeine patterns in South Asian university students, filling a gap in the research literature for this region
The study has several important limitations. First, the exact number of students surveyed wasn’t reported, making it difficult to assess how reliable the percentages are. Second, this is a snapshot study—it only looked at students during one time period (June to September 2024), so we can’t tell if these patterns continue over time or if they change with seasons. Third, the study only included students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, so the findings may not apply to students in other cities or countries. Fourth, the study relied on students self-reporting their caffeine consumption, which can be inaccurate if people don’t remember exactly how much they drink. Finally, because this is a cross-sectional study, it can show that caffeine use and sleep problems occur together, but it cannot prove that caffeine causes the sleep problems
The Bottom Line
If you’re a college student, consider tracking how much caffeine you consume daily and notice any side effects like sleep problems or muscle pain. The general recommendation for adults is to limit caffeine to 400 mg per day (about 4 cups of tea or 2 cups of coffee), though individual tolerance varies. If you experience sleep problems or muscle pain, try reducing your caffeine intake gradually—quitting suddenly can cause withdrawal headaches. Consider drinking caffeine earlier in the day (before 2 PM) to minimize sleep disruption. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study shows associations but cannot prove cause-and-effect
College and university students should pay special attention to these findings, particularly if you’re female (the study found higher consumption rates in females) or if you’re not studying nutrition. Anyone experiencing sleep problems, muscle pain, or anxiety should evaluate their caffeine intake. Students managing academic stress should know that while caffeine helps short-term focus, it may worsen sleep quality, which ultimately hurts academic performance. People with anxiety disorders, heart conditions, or sleep disorders should be especially cautious about caffeine
If you reduce caffeine consumption, you may notice improvements in sleep quality within 3-7 days. Muscle pain and tension may take 1-2 weeks to improve. However, if you quit caffeine suddenly, you may experience withdrawal headaches for 2-9 days. Gradual reduction (cutting consumption by 25% every few days) minimizes withdrawal symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine do college students actually drink?
A 2024 study of Bangladeshi university students found that nearly 7 out of 10 drink caffeine daily—34% once daily and 34.8% two to three times daily. Tea is the most common source (82.6%), followed by coffee (35.8%). Most students use it to improve focus and manage academic stress.
What are the side effects of drinking too much caffeine as a student?
The 2024 study found that students consuming higher amounts of caffeine reported increased sleep disturbances and muscle pain. These side effects suggest potential physical dependence and may actually harm academic performance by reducing sleep quality, which is essential for learning and memory.
Do male and female students drink different amounts of caffeine?
Yes, according to the 2024 Bangladesh study, female students reported significantly higher caffeine consumption rates than male students. Students from non-nutrition backgrounds also consumed more caffeine than those studying nutrition, likely due to greater awareness of caffeine’s effects.
How can I reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms?
Quit gradually rather than suddenly—reduce consumption by 25% every few days instead of stopping all at once. This approach minimizes withdrawal headaches, which typically last 2-9 days with abrupt cessation but are much milder with gradual reduction.
Is caffeine use among students a real health concern?
The 2024 study suggests it is. With 90.2% of students reporting habitual caffeine consumption and links to sleep problems and muscle pain, the researchers emphasize the need for awareness and education about caffeine’s effects on student health and academic performance.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each caffeinated beverage consumed daily, noting the type (tea, coffee, energy drink), time of day, and approximate amount. Rate your sleep quality and any muscle pain on a 1-10 scale each morning to identify patterns between caffeine intake and these symptoms
- Set a personal caffeine cutoff time (such as 2 PM) and track compliance. Gradually reduce daily caffeine consumption by 10-15% each week if experiencing side effects. Replace one daily caffeinated beverage with herbal tea or water to reduce overall intake while maintaining a ritual
- Track caffeine consumption and sleep quality for 2 weeks to establish your baseline. Then implement one change (such as the 2 PM cutoff) and monitor for 2 weeks to see if sleep improves. Use weekly summaries to identify which beverages and times of day most affect your sleep and energy levels
This article summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. Individual responses to caffeine vary based on genetics, health conditions, medications, and other factors. If you experience persistent sleep problems, muscle pain, anxiety, or other health concerns related to caffeine consumption, consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This study was conducted in Bangladesh and may not apply to all populations. The findings show associations between caffeine use and health effects but do not prove direct causation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your caffeine intake, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.