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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Sleep apnea and substance use: a meta-analysis.
Sibylle Mauries1, Benjamin Rolland2, Justine Frija-Masson3
1Département de Psychiatrie et D'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France.
This meta-analysis found that alcohol and opioid use significantly increases the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), indicating worse sleep apnea. Diagnosing sleep apnea in substance users is crucial for better addiction treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Sleep apnea and substance use disorders (SUDs) exhibit a bidirectional, negative relationship.
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is notably common in individuals with SUDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the impact of common substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, cocaine) on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
- To compare AHI scores between substance users and non-users.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed.
- Inclusion of 28 studies in the meta-analysis.
- Comparison of mean AHI scores between substance users and non-users.
Main Results:
- Elevated AHI in alcohol users (SMD: 0.46, p < 0.001).
- Higher prevalence of central sleep apnea in opioid users (SMD: 0.44, p < 0.001).
- Increased AHI in tobacco users, though not statistically significant. Limited data for cannabis and cocaine users.
Conclusions:
- Sleep apnea diagnosis and management are vital for substance use patients.
- Effective sleep apnea treatment can improve addiction prognosis.
- Tailored treatment approaches are necessary for co-occurring sleep apnea and SUDs.
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