Alcohol Use and Sleep Quality Among Young Adults: A Correlation Study

Abstract

Alcohol and other drugs are commonly used and abused by young people. It can negatively impact the family, the person, and the broader community (Velleman et al., 2005). sleep is defined as a behavioural state characterized by reduced responsiveness to stimuli, decreased awareness and interaction with the environment, muscle relaxation, and reduced movement” (Benca, 2012; Kryger et al., 2011). Alcohol is one of the most significant factors that can impact the quality and quantity of sleep. Alcohol has many negative effects on sleep, including disrupting certain sleep stages as well as affecting physiological and chemical processes involved in sleep (Peeke et al., 1980). Alcohol also interferes with essential hormonal processes required for sound sleep. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between alcohol use and sleep quality among young adults. The study comprised of a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 110 young adults, aged between 18-35 years. There were both males (n=54) and females (n= 56) from north India. Data was collected using purposive and snowball sampling method. Self-report measures namely, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (WHO,1989; updated in 1992) and Sleep quality scale (SQS, Yi et al., 2006) were used. Pearson’s correlation was calculated using SPSS version 29. The finding revealed a positive correlation (r =.424; p<.001) between alcohol use and sleep quality among young adults. Previous research stated that consumption of alcohol just before bedtime or high levels of stress could be factors responsible for the positive association. A negative impact on cognitive functioning, daytime level of activity and daytime sleepiness were also observed in previous research. Further studies can assess the effects of multiple substance use and different substance use on sleep quality or the impact of early initiation of substance use.