Objective: Estimate the association between single (i.e., exclusive) use of a range of substances and sleep outcomes.
Participants: College students participated in the 2015-2019 American College-Health Association-National College-Health Assessment survey.
Methods: Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used.
Results: Single users of sedative, opioid, tobacco, and stimulant drugs were more likely to report a diagnosis of insomnia and other sleep disorder and indicated more days per week of negative sleep health outcomes compared not only to non-users of these substances but also polysubstance users. Single users of alcohol were significantly less likely to report a diagnosis of sleep disorder and indicated having had more days per week of positive sleep health outcomes compared to non-alcohol users and polysubstance users. However, those results are reversed for binge drinking.
Conclusions: Support of programs addressing behaviors to reduce the high prevalence of psychoactive substance use and sleep disturbances in college youth is needed.
Keywords: Single substance use; college students; insomnia; polysubstance use; sleep disorders.