Sleep problems and substance use are the most prevalent mental health issues in adolescents. Moreover, individuals with these two problems may also be susceptible to other psychiatric disorders. A lack of systematic understanding of the relationship between sleep problems and substance use hinders our ability to promote health in adolescents. Sleep problems, such as inadequate total sleep time, difficulty in falling sleep and in maintaining sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and excessive daytime fatigue, may subsequently contribute to substance use in adolescents. Conversely, the use of substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee or caffeine, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives or hypnotics, opioid containing prescriptions, and club drugs, affects sleep in adolescents. The effects of betel nut chewing and administration of inhalants on sleep are undermined. This review suggests a bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and substance use. The paucity of causal studies in Taiwan and the lack of biological evidence for sleep problems leading to substance use should prompt further research among native adolescents from multidimensional perspectives in order to determine practical policies to address both problems.
日期:
2012-10
關聯:
Taiwan Journal of Public Health. 2012 Oct;31(5):412-424.
