Prevalence of sleep disturbance among adolescents with substance use: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: Sleep disturbance has become a major challenge among adolescents worldwide. Substance use is among the most common factors contributing to sleep disturbance. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence and categories of sleep disturbance among adolescents with substance use. METHODS: We comprehensively searched for relevant studies published in the following databases from inception to August 2022: CINHAL (via EBSCOhost), PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, Embase, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Data analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 software. We used a random-effects model to pool prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Forest plots and p values for the Cochran Q statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to compare the groups and identify the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: We examined 18 studies that reported insomnia, hypersomnolence, sleep-related breathing disorders as sleep disturbances among adolescents with the use of alcohol, smoking, marijuana, and coffee. The total sample was 124,554. The overall prevalence rate of sleep disturbance was 29% (95% CI: 0.201–0.403). Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence rates of insomnia and hypersomnolence were higher among alcohol users (31%; 95% CI: 0.100–0.654) and smokers (46%; 95% CI: 0.232–0.700). The study design and method of assessment groups were the significant moderators that showed the source of variation in the included studies. CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbance is highly prevalent among adolescents with substance use. Insomnia and hypersomnolence are more prevalent among alcohol users and smokers, respectively. On the basis of our findings, health-care providers can develop effective targeted interventions to reduce substance use, prevent sleep disturbance, and promote healthy sleep habits among adolescents. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13034-023-00644-5.