The Influence of Substance Use on Sleep Architecture in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Abstract
Background: Substance use and poor sleep quality are prevalent issues among college students, often impacting their physical, mental, and academic well-being. This study examines the relationship between substance use and sleep quality.
Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we employed adjusted logistic regression models to assess associations between tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use risks and multiple dimensions of sleep quality, including sleep onset latency, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. Substance use risk was calculated using the ASSIST tool.
Results: Increased substance use risk is significantly associated with various sleep disturbances in college students. Higher risk levels of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use correspond to greater odds of delayed sleep onset, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. High-risk users across all substances exhibit the highest odds for these sleep issues, highlighting a clear trend that sleep architecture is disrupted more as substance use risk increases.
Conclusion: The findings underscore a strong association between substance use and various aspects of sleep architecture, suggesting that substance use may significantly disrupt sleep quality. These results support the need for integrated health interventions that address both substance use and sleep health among college students.
Implications: Colleges should consider implementing targeted health education and intervention programs to address the interconnected nature of substance use and sleep issues, promote healthier lifestyles, and improve overall student well-being. There is a need for targeted, tailored programs addressing the specific challenges for students at higher risk, i.e., those with pre-existing mental health conditions or poor sleep habits.
Notes
References:
1. Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
2. Branstetter, S. A., Horton, W. J., Mercincavage, M., & Buxton, O. M. (2016). Severity of Nicotine Addiction and Disruptions in Sleep Mediated by Early Awakenings. Nicotine Tob Res, 18(12), 2252-2259. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw179
3. Otsuka, Y., Takeshima, O., Itani, O., Matsumoto, Y., & Kaneita, Y. (2022). Associations among Alcohol Drinking, Smoking, and Nonrestorative Sleep: A Population-Based Study in Japan. Clocks & Sleep, 4(4), 595-606. https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/4/4/46
4. Singh, N., Wanjari, A., & Sinha, A. H. (2023). Effects of Nicotine on the Central Nervous System and Sleep Quality in Relation to Other Stimulants: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(11), e49162. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.49162
5. Sznitman, S. R., Vulfsons, S., Meiri, D., & Weinstein, G. (2020). Medical cannabis and insomnia in older adults with chronic pain: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Support Palliat Care, 10(4), 415-420. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001938
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Interprofessional, Interdisciplinary, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Public and Community Health, Substance Use, Sleep Quality
Recommended Citation
Elijah, Odunayo A.; Mugoya, George T.; Mumba, Mercy Ngosa; Cody, Shameka; and Mudathir, Dhikrullah, "The Influence of Substance Use on Sleep Architecture in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 170.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/170
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
The Influence of Substance Use on Sleep Architecture in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Substance use and poor sleep quality are prevalent issues among college students, often impacting their physical, mental, and academic well-being. This study examines the relationship between substance use and sleep quality.
Methods: Utilizing variables from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2019-present) Spring 2022 reference group dataset (n = 69,131 students), we employed adjusted logistic regression models to assess associations between tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use risks and multiple dimensions of sleep quality, including sleep onset latency, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. Substance use risk was calculated using the ASSIST tool.
Results: Increased substance use risk is significantly associated with various sleep disturbances in college students. Higher risk levels of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use correspond to greater odds of delayed sleep onset, early awakening, daytime fatigue, and difficulty falling asleep. High-risk users across all substances exhibit the highest odds for these sleep issues, highlighting a clear trend that sleep architecture is disrupted more as substance use risk increases.
Conclusion: The findings underscore a strong association between substance use and various aspects of sleep architecture, suggesting that substance use may significantly disrupt sleep quality. These results support the need for integrated health interventions that address both substance use and sleep health among college students.
Implications: Colleges should consider implementing targeted health education and intervention programs to address the interconnected nature of substance use and sleep issues, promote healthier lifestyles, and improve overall student well-being. There is a need for targeted, tailored programs addressing the specific challenges for students at higher risk, i.e., those with pre-existing mental health conditions or poor sleep habits.
Description
This study reveals a strong link between substance use risk and sleep disturbances among college students, with higher use associated with increased sleep issues like delayed sleep onset and daytime fatigue. Findings highlight the need for integrated health interventions that address both substance use and sleep health. Attendees will gain insights into the impact of substance use on sleep quality and explore effective college health strategies for improving student well-being.