Single use of psychoactive substances and its association with sleep disorders and sleep health in a large US college sample

ObjectiveEstimate the association between single (i.e., exclusive) use of a range of substances and sleep outcomes.ParticipantsCollege students participated in the 2015-2019 American College-Health Association-National College-Health Assessment survey.MethodsMultivariable logistic and linear regressions were used.ResultsSingle users of sedative, opioid, tobacco, and stimulant drugs were more likely to report a diagnosis of insomnia and other sleep disorder and indicated more days per week of negative sleep health outcomes compared not only to non-users of these substances but also polysubstance users. Single users of alcohol were significantly less likely to report a diagnosis of sleep disorder and indicated having had more days per week of positive sleep health outcomes compared to non-alcohol users and polysubstance users. However, those results are reversed for binge drinking.ConclusionsSupport of programs addressing behaviors to reduce the high prevalence of psychoactive substance use and sleep disturbances in college youth is needed.