Sleep Disturbance and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use

This study examines the relationship between sleep disturbances and alcohol use.  The authors note that the evidence suggests a relationship between alcohol use and chronic insomnia; however, the available data makes it difficult to establish a causal relationship. The study concludes that insomnia is associated with alcohol use, and highly prevalent among patients with alcohol problems and that clinical alertness to insomnia as a symptom of nascent, current or past alcohol problems might facilitate timely intervention and lead primary care clinicians to evaluate sleep complaints more thoroughly. Consideration of sleep disturbance in alcohol treatment or aftercare plans could help patients anticipate sleep problems and reduce relapse risk.

Stein, M. D., Friedman, P. D. (2005). Disturbed seep and its relationship to alcohol use. Substance Abuse, 26(1), 1-13. 

Authors: Michael D. Stein, Peter D. Friedman

Download the full study from the Treatment Research Institute (TRI) here: http://www.tresearch.org/add_health/prism_docs/SleepReview.pdf