Sleep and Substance Use Disorders: A Primer for the Clinician.

Thomas, Davis C; Betlinski, Jonathan; Guruswamy Pandian, Anu Priya; Mathew, Leena · Med Clin North Am · 2026

review · Level V

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Abstract

The neurophysiology of sleep and the pathophysiology of substance use disorders (SUDs) involve overlaps in neurotransmitters and pathways. SUDs and substance withdrawal are accompanied by significant impairments in sleep. Conversely, sleep disturbances are known to predispose for SUDs. Sleep disorders (SDs) such as insomnia, short sleep duration, and excessive daytime sleepiness have been causally related to SUD initiation and maintenance. Management of SUDs integrally depends on the successful management of the associated SDs, and vice versa.

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