A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Assessment of Immediate Pre-Sleep Caffeine Administration on Self-Reported Post-Nap Irritability and Cognitive Fog in Overworked Adults
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Assessment of Immediate Pre-Sleep Caffeine Administration on Self-Reported Post-Nap Irritability and Cognitive Fog in Overworked Adults
The purpose of this study is to determine if drinking a hot cup of coffee immediately before taking a 20-minute nap (the "Caffeine Nap") reduces the standard "grumpiness index" upon waking compared to drinking decaffeinated bean-water.
Participants will be randomized 1:1 to either the intervention group (active caffeine) or the control group (decaf). Participants will be forced to consume 8 ounces of the assigned beverage at a temperature of exactly 140°F (60°C) within a 2-minute window, and then immediately instructed to "go to sleep" in a room filled with aggressive ticking clocks.
Upon sudden waking via a loud air horn at minute 20, participants will immediately complete the validated "Am I Mad at the World?" Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Inclusion Criteria:
Must look visibly tired by 2:00 PM.
Must have a self-reported history of sighing heavily at emails.
Must be capable of falling asleep under duress.
Exclusion Criteria:
People who are "morning people" and smile before 8:00 AM (excluded due to baseline psychological bias).
Inability to tolerate lukewarm coffee.
Current employment as a mattress tester.
brad@hightowerclinical.com405-555-5555