New data from the annual Monitoring the Future Panel Study, conducted by the University of Michigan, indicate that the use of various substances to aid sleep is widespread among young people. According to the study, which is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 22% of Americans aged 19 to 30 reported using cannabis, alcohol, or both to help them fall asleep.

Substance Preferences

Cannabis is used for sleep much more frequently than alcohol: about 18% of young adults said they use it to help them fall asleep, while only 7% reported using alcohol for this purpose. Among those who had used cannabis at least once in the past year, 41% cited improved sleep as one of the reasons for their use.

Potential Health Consequences

Experts warn that this approach can actually worsen sleep quality. Researchers note that regular use of substances for sleep can, over time, lead to additional problems. According to Megan Patrick, a research scientist at the Institute for Social Research and the study’s lead author, using such substances may have the opposite effect, disrupting not only the process of falling asleep but also long-term sleep quality. She emphasizes that the high prevalence of cannabis use for sleep among young people is concerning.

Gender and Racial Differences

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed responses from 1,473 young people across the United States. The results revealed significant differences by gender and race in the ways substances are used for sleep. Women were almost twice as likely as men to use cannabis to help them fall asleep, and participants who identified as another gender reported using cannabis for sleep more than four times as often as men. Young African Americans were three times more likely than white participants to use alcohol as a sleep aid.

Risks of Long-Term Use

Prolonged and regular use of cannabis or alcohol for sleep can actually worsen sleep problems rather than solve them. Patrick notes that over time, tolerance develops, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, which can lead to further sleep issues and increased consumption. Additionally, the risk of developing dependence rises.

Misconceptions About the Benefits of Substances for Sleep

Many young people mistakenly believe that cannabis or alcohol can improve sleep, even though scientific evidence suggests otherwise. According to Patrick, there is a common misconception that using substances can help with insomnia, but in reality, it often makes the situation worse. Quality sleep is crucial for mental health and emotional well-being, and attempts to address sleep problems with substances can actually exacerbate them.

Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals

Since sleep problems and substance use often occur together among young people, researchers advise doctors to pay attention to this connection. The findings highlight the importance of screening for both issues and providing comprehensive support when needed. Healthcare professionals should be aware of how common sleep and substance use problems are among young people, and recognize that many use cannabis specifically to help them fall asleep. Those experiencing sleep difficulties are encouraged to discuss their situation with a doctor or other specialist.