The findings raise concerns for shift workers, healthcare professionals, and military personnel who often drink coffee at night to stay alert
A recent study about the effects of caffeine consumption found that consuming it at night may increase risky and impulsive behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso observed the changes using fruit flies, which share key genetic and neural traits with humans.
What the study found
When the flies were fed caffeine at night, they were less able to suppress movement when exposed to unpleasant stimuli, leading to reckless flying.
Gender differences observed
The effect was also sex-dependent — female flies showed much greater caffeine-induced impulsivity than males, despite having similar caffeine levels. This suggests other genetic or physiological factors at play.
Why it matters
The findings raise concerns for shift workers, healthcare professionals, and military personnel who often drink coffee at night to stay alert.
While caffeine is known to enhance performance during the day, the study highlights a previously unrecognized risk of nighttime caffeine use for decision-making and control.