New research from the University of Michigan shows that using substances like cannabis or alcohol to fall asleep is quite common among young adults.
According to the university’s annual Monitoring the Future Panel Study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 22% of Americans aged 19 to 30 reported using cannabis, alcohol, or both to help themselves sleep.
Cannabis was the more commonly used substance. About 18% of young adults said they used cannabis to fall asleep, while 7% said they used alcohol for the same reason. Among young adults who had used cannabis in the past year, 41% said one of the reasons they used it was to help them sleep.
However, sleep experts warn that using these substances regularly to help with sleep could do more harm than good.
Megan Patrick, a research professor at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research and the lead investigator on the study, said that while cannabis or alcohol might help some people fall asleep faster, they actually tend to reduce sleep quality and make it harder to stay asleep throughout the night.
Patrick explained that frequent use of these substances could lead to long-term sleep problems. Over time, the body may build tolerance, meaning the person needs more of the substance to get the same effect.
This could increase the risk of becoming dependent or developing a substance use disorder. Instead of solving the sleep problem, it may lead to more serious issues.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, gathered responses from 1,473 young adults across the United States. It also found interesting differences in how various groups used substances to help them sleep.
Women were nearly twice as likely as men to use cannabis for sleep. Participants who identified as another gender were more than four times as likely to use cannabis as a sleep aid compared to men. The study also found that Black young adults were three times more likely than white young adults to use alcohol to help them sleep.
Patrick noted that this is one of the first national studies to look closely at how and why young people use substances for sleep. The Monitoring the Future Panel Study follows large groups of U.S. students as they move into adulthood and helps researchers understand trends in substance use.
There is a common belief among many young adults that cannabis or alcohol can improve sleep. However, the research suggests otherwise. Patrick emphasized that these substances may make sleep problems worse over time.
She also said that getting good sleep is essential for mental health and mood regulation. “High-quality sleep is critical,” she said. “Young adults need to know the risks of using substances for sleep.”
The researchers also highlighted the need for health care providers to pay attention to this issue. Since sleep problems and substance use often happen at the same time in young adults, it’s important for doctors to screen for both issues and offer support.
Patrick said that young adults dealing with sleep problems should talk to their doctor or health provider instead of relying on cannabis or alcohol.
The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. Co-authors included Yuk Pang and Yvonne Terry-McElrath. The findings are published in JAMA Pediatrics.
If you care about sleep, please read studies that Sleeping pill lowers key Alzheimer’s disease markers and Scientists discover the link between sleep apnea and dementia risk.
For more health information, please read studies that Common sleep supplement could improve memory and Scientists find link between short sleep and higher risk of long COVID.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
