Caffeine, Screens & Teen Sleep: What’s Really Keeping Teens Awake – EP 31 w/ Dr. Christina Calamaro

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of caffeine and technology on teen sleep patterns and overall well-being.

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Christina Calamaro, a leading researcher in adolescent sleep and health at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. Dr. Calamaro’s work focuses on how behaviors like caffeine consumption and technology use impact sleep patterns, learning, and overall well-being in teenagers. The conversation explores why so many teens are not getting enough sleep, how sleep deprivation affects academic performance and daily functioning, and the surprising levels of caffeine consumption among adolescents. Dr. Calamaro also breaks down the complex relationship between screen time, stimulation, and sleep disruption, and shares insights on which factors matter most. They also discuss the real-world consequences of sleep loss, including safety risks and long-term health effects, and what parents, schools, and teens can do to create healthier habits in an increasingly demanding and connected world. This episode offers a clear, research-backed look at one of the most important and overlooked challenges facing young people today. LINKS: Citations from Dr. Calamaro Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our…

People in this episode

Host: Ryan

Guest: Dr. Christina Calamaro

Topics covered

• teen sleep
• caffeine consumption
• technology use
• sleep deprivation
• academic performance
• health habits

Keywords

• teen sleep
• caffeine
• screen time
• sleep deprivation
• academic performance
• health
• well-being

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University

More episodes of REM Reward

• Rest, Mindfulness & Student Wellness – EP 32 w/ Dr. Sudha Wadhwani · May 15, 2026 · 25 min
• Sleep, Food & Energy: Building Habits That Actually Last – EP 30 w/ Angela Goldman · March 15, 2026 · 27 min
• The Power of Light: Circadian Rhythms, Sleep Inertia & Better Mornings – EP 29 w/ Dr. Helen Burgess · February 15, 2026 · 38 min
• Circadian Rhythms Explained: Why Timing Matters for Health – EP 28 w/ Dr. Erik Herzog · January 16, 2026 · 21 min
• The Mysteries of Sleep & Dreaming – EP 27 w/ Dr. Wanda Willard · December 16, 2025 · 19 min
• Inside ‘Where Children Sleep’: Childhood, Culture & Inequality – EP 26 w/ James Molliso · November 16, 2025 · 13 min