Sleep Habits Linked to Adolescent Substance Abuse

October 26th, 2016

Parents now have another reason to make sure their adolescents are turning off their devices and lights and getting some shut-eye. University of Pittsburgh researchers have found a possible link between adolescent sleep habits and early substance abuse. Both how long and how well you sleep during late childhood predict alcohol and cannabis use later in adolescence, according to a study published by Brant P. Hasler, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry, School of Medicine, and assistant professor of psychology, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The study participants who slept the least, were more likely to report earlier use, intoxication, and repeated use of both alcohol and cannabis. Every hour less of sleep at age 11 was associated with 20 percent acceleration to the first use of alcohol and/or cannabis. Worse sleep quality was associated with earlier cannabis intoxication and repeated use but not first use. Researchers hope that addressing sleep issues at an earlier age may help in the prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol use.