Decaffeinated by Default

Welcome to the Decaffeinated by Default resource hub – supporting individuals, patients, families, carers, care homes, care providers, and partners across Nottingham & Nottinghamshire to promote healthier hydration and reduce avoidable caffeine-related sleep disruption, dehydration, and falls.

The Decaffeinated by Default project was introduced following findings that many people consume high levels of caffeine throughout the day without knowing the impact it may have on:

Sleep quality

Hydration

Anxiety and restlessness

Continence needs

Overall wellbeing

Shifting to decaffeinated drinks helps improve individual comfort, reduce avoidable health issues, and support better daily functioning.

💚 Benefits of Going Decaffeinated

Choosing decaf as the standard offers a range of benefits:

For individuals:

Improved sleep patterns and nighttime rest

Reduced dehydration risk

Lower anxiety and restlessness

Better continence management

More stable mood and energy levels

Reduced risk of falls

For Care Providers and staff

Fewer sleep-related incidents overnight

Reduced toileting‑related demand

Smoother routines with calmer residents

Clear, simple messaging around drink provision

For the Wider Healthcare System

Supports prevention and early intervention priorities

Promotes consistent practice across care settings

Reduces escalation to health services

Hospitals and Care settings that switched to Decaff in the National Pilot reported up to a 14% reduction in falls linked to better nighttime rest and calmer behavioural patterns

🤝 How Do I Get Involved?

If you are a person in your own home:

simply choose the decaffeinated option when you next purchase your drink of choice.

Remember to look for hidden Caffeine, try reading the labels to see whether the drinks you frequently choose might contain hidden caffeine and switch to the alternatives.

If you work in a Care Setting:

Begin by introducing decaf as the default option in your care setting – while still offering caffeinated drinks on request.

Use the posters and leaflets on this page to support conversations with the people you support, their families, and staff.

Use the Pledge Form to pledge your Care Provider’s commitment to becoming Decaffeinated by Default.