This article, from Dr. Volkow’s blog on the NIDA website, provides a succinct, yet comprehensive overview of the bidirectional links between sleep disturbances and substance use.
From the article:
“Most common mental disorders, from depression and anxiety to PTSD, are associated with disturbed sleep, and substance use disorders are no exception. The relationship may be complex and bidirectional: Substance use causes sleep problems; but insomnia and insufficient sleep may also be a factor raising the risk of drug use and addiction. Recognizing the importance of this once-overlooked factor, addiction researchers are paying increased attention to sleep and sleep disturbances, and even thinking about ways to target sleep disruption in substance use disorder treatment and prevention.”
As an ex-addictions therapist, I believe it’s vital that support for sleep difficulties be incorporated into treatment for people experiencing substance use challenges. This article serves as a good introduction to the relationship between sleep and substance use, which clinicians can then use to conduct further research and develop individualized treatment plans.