Impulsivity as a dynamic mechanism linking young adult sleep and drinking behavior during naturally occurring...

Impulsivity is implicated in theories linking sleep and drinking behavior. While well-studied across individuals, research regarding sleep, impulsivity, and drinking in real-world contexts is lacking. This study tested a theoretical pathway wherein better-than-average sleep predicts decreased impulsivity while drinking, which then predicts lesser drinking and negative alcohol consequences experienced during drinking episodes.

Young adults (N = 131) completed 21 days of ecological momentary assessment, including morning reports, self-initiated drink reports after first drink, and follow-up drinking reports 60/120min later. Past-day drinking quantity, negative alcohol consequences, and sleep (duration, nighttime awakenings, and morning readiness to start day) were measured each morning. Impulsivity (urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking) was measured during drink initiation/follow-up reports.

In two of the four multilevel mediation models (one for each facet of impulsivity), better sleep (higher morning readiness and longer sleep duration) predicted decreased state impulsivity (lack of premeditation and sensation seeking) while drinking, which indirectly predicted fewer negative consequences via lighter drinking quantity. Above and beyond state impulsivity while drinking, higher morning readiness indirectly predicted fewer negative consequences via lighter drinking quantity. Increased urgency also indirectly predicted negative consequences via heavier drinking quantity but was unrelated to sleep. Findings were unchanged when accounting for cumulative sleep debt, except relations between morning readiness and sensation seeking while drinking.

Dampened state impulsivity while drinking may explain protective associations between good sleep health and less risky drinking. Sleep interventions may be effective at reducing impulsivity while drinking and alcohol-related harms.