Caffeine reversal of ethanol effects on the multiple sleep latency test, memory, and psychomotor performance

Abstract

Caffeine has been shown to reverse some of the performance-impairing effects of ethanol. However, it is not known whether this antagonistic effect of caffeine is mediated by a reduction in sleepiness. The present study assessed physiologicalalertness/sleepiness, memory, and psychomotor performance following the administration of placebo, ethanol, and caffeine+ethanolcombinations. A totalof 13 healthy individuals (21-35 years old) underwent four conditions presented in a Latin Square Design: placebo-placebo, ethanol(0.5 g/kg)-placebo, ethanol(0.5 g/kg)-caffeine 150 mg, and ethanol(0.5 g/kg)-caffeine 300-mg. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), psychomotor performance battery, memory test, and mood/sleepiness questionnaires were administered following each condition. Thepeak breadth ethanolconcentration (BrEC) was 0.043 ± 0.0197% and did not differ among the three caffeine treatments. As expected, ethanolreduced mean latency on the MSLT. The lowest caffeine dose reversed this effect and the highest dose increased mean latency(greater alertness) significantly beyond placebo levels. Ethanolalso impaired psychomotor performance and memory. The 300-mgcaffeine dose restored performance and memory measures to placebo levels. Although visualanalog ratings of dizziness were increasedby ethanol, they were not diminished by either caffeine dose. In conclusion, Low-dose caffeine prevented the sleepiness and performanceimpairment associated with a moderate dose of ethanol. Thus, caffeine, similar to other stimulants, can reverse the physiologicallysedating effects of ethanol, although other negative effects remain. © 2003 Nature Publishing Group.