Statistical Consulting Seminars
Speaker：Prof. Maria M. Wong (Idaho State University)
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Institute of Statistics
Statistical Consulting Seminars
Topic：Bidirectional Relationships between Sleep Disturbances and Substance Use and Misuse
Speaker：Prof. Maria M. Wong (Idaho State University)
Time：Dec 19 (Friday) , 2025, 13:20-14:10
Place： 4F-427, Assembly Building I
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent and have a significant economic burden worldwide. The World Health Organization estimated that 296 million aged 15-64 years old used psychoactive drugs and approximately 39.5 million had a SUD in 2021.1 In the U.S. alone, consumption of alcohol, nicotine, illicit drugs and misuse of prescription drugs cost more than $700 billion a year in lost productivity, increased health care costs and crime.2 Short sleep duration and sleep disturbances have been shown to be a risk marker for the development of substance use. Studies from multiple age groups across the human life span indicate that sleep disturbances may precede and represent a marker of risk for substance use. I will present longitudinal data on the relationship between sleep disturbances and substance use. I will then discuss the factors that may explain this relationship, focusing on the regulation of affect, behaviors, and cognitive processes. Finally, I will identify gaps in our current knowledge and propose recommendations for future research.