Craving mediates the relationship between sleep quality and impaired control over drinking: A preliminary study

Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Craving is a critical driver of alcohol use and return to drinking and is influenced by sleep. Craving may be a mechanism underlying the relationship between sleep disturbance and alcohol use, such that sleep disturbances result in higher craving, limiting control over alcohol use. This study examined craving as a mediator of the relationship between global sleep quality and impaired control over alcohol use.

Sixty-two (35M/27F) individuals with moderate-to-severe AUD participated in the study. Participants reported on past month sleep quality, craving for alcohol, impaired control over alcohol, and confidence to resist drinking in situations commonly precipitating alcohol use. Mediation models were conducted to evaluate craving as a mediator of the relationship between sleep quality and control over alcohol use.

There was a significant indirect effect of craving on the relationship between sleep quality and failed control over drinking; confidence to resist drinking in negative affect situations, and confidence to resist drinking in social conflict situations.

Craving may be a mechanism through which sleep disturbances increase alcohol use. It is plausible that sleep disturbances reduce the ability for self-regulation, resulting in higher levels of craving and impaired ability to control alcohol use.