Lack of Sleep Leads to Alcohol Abuse

A recent study reveals that sleeping problems as a child are indicative of a heightened vulnerability to alcohol abuse as an adult. Currently, about 27 percent of school aged children and about 45 percent of adolescents, do not get nearly enough sleep.

According to Maria Wong of Idaho State University, the lead author of the study, “adolescents may have insufficient sleep due to variety of reasons; including: academic and social obligations, poor sleep hygiene and 24/7 internet access through phones and computers.”

The study revealed that difficulties with sleep can lead to future alcohol-related interpersonal problems, binge drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, getting into unwanted sexual situations, and increased vulnerability to drug abuse. However, a parenting issue may be at the core of this increasing issue.

Wong states that, “a lot of parents don’t monitor their adolescents’ sleep schedules and let them make their own decision about when to go to bed. But parents need to start talking to their teenagers; not just about grades and extra-curricular activities but about sleep too.” In a nutshell, she is suggesting that the more involved parents are with their kids, the less susceptible their children are to turning to alcohol when they get older.

While it makes sense that kids who are taught healthy habits at a young age will maintain these healthy habits as adult, a lack of sleep impairs judgment, regardless of your habits, and especially for young adults who are already more prone to impulsive and risky decisions – including alcohol experimentation.