--- title: Sleep Problems Lead to Drug and Alcohol Abuse description: Scientists used to think that drugs and alcohol caused sleep problems. Now, studies show that poor sleep can lead to substance abuse down the road. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-2528945997.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Sleep Problems Lead to Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Feb 21, 2015 8:00:00 AM ![beer-drug-alcohol-abuse-sleep-deprivation](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-2528945997.jpg?width=365&name=file-2528945997.jpg) Sleeping disorders are very common among adults with alcohol and drug abuse problems. In the past, many addiction specialists have just assumed that the substance abuse is causing the sleep disorder--after all, drugs and alcohol are well-known sleep disruptors. However, scientific studies are finding that **sleep disorders seem to occur before substance abuse, not as a consequence of it**.  # **Sleep disorders predict substance abuse** Observational studies of young adolescents have found a strong correlation between sleeping difficulties and subsequent drug/alcohol abuse. A more recent [study](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acer.12618/abstract) confirmed these findings. **Adolescents who slept less were more likely to go on to engage in risky behaviors** such as heavy drinking and drug use as older adolescents and young adults. A study of [even younger](http://www.isu.edu/~wongmari/resources/2004%20Sleep%20Problems%20in%20childhood.pdf) children--age two to five--also found a correlation between poor sleep habits and going on to develop alcohol and drug problems during adolescence.  ## **But does lack of sleep cause substance abuse? ** These predictive studies in children seem to strongly disprove the long-held idea that substance abuse is the cause of sleep disorders in addicts. Among recovering addicts, the occurrence of insomnia is a very strong predictor of relapse. These relapsing addicts usually report that they are trying to self-treat the lack of sleep with drugs or alcohol.  It is very possible that in many cases the sleep disorder is the initiating event that starts the substance abuse. For example, some people may begin using alcohol or other substances to help them sleep, and over time this use changed into abuse. Other people report that their substance abuse problems seem to have begun when they started taking prescription benzodiazepines as a sleeping aid.  ## **Treat sleep to prevent problems** It is therefore possible that treating sleeping disorders, particularly in teens and children, may be able to prevent substance abuse in the future. It is possible that treating insomnia in recovering addicts may improve their chance of achieving long-term sobriety. Plus, preventing substance abuse is only one of the reasons to treat a sleep disorder. There are many good reasons to overcome poor sleep, including better [mental health](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain), more energy during the day, and decreased risk of conditions like [heart disease](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-sleep-apnea-damages-heart-health) and [diabetes](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/sleep-apnea-leads-to-increased-risk-of-diabetes). Parents shouldn't just brush off [sleeping disorders in children](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/what-causes-sleep-apnea-in-children). While it is quite natural for adolescents to experience a shift in their sleep-cycle that makes them become ["night owls"](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/doctors-start-school-later-give-students-time-to-sleep), parents should be on the lookout for signs of excessive sleepiness, extreme difficulty in arising in time for school, and other signs that a sleep disorder may be occurring.  Parents can encourage good sleep habits in children, such as scheduled bed times and wakening, using the bed [only for sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/5-tips-to-keep-electronics-out-of-the-bedroom-and-sleep-better), and discouraging the use of energy drinks and caffeine-laden soda. If this does not work, it is important to talk to a doctor or a [sleep expert](http://sleepdr.com/) to ensure that your child is getting the best sleep possible.  Don't risk your child's future. [Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) today for an evaluation.  **Do you think that poor sleep can lead to alcohol and drug abuse down the road? Tell us in the comments.** Photo credit: [Quinn Dombrowski](https://www.flickr.com/photos/quinndombrowski/) Topics: [Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Sleep%20Problems%20Lead%20to%20Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20Abuse) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleep-problems-lead-to-drug-and-alcohol-abuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. 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