Substance Abuse Population

The effect of any psychoactive substance on an individual’s sleep will depend on whether that substance is a stimulant, depressant, or has other effects on the brain. A schema is portrayed in Figure 1 (see page 842). The effect of withdrawal from the substance generally will be opposite to the intoxication effects. Psychoactive substances are classifi ed as sedative hypnotics, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, and arylcyclohexylamines.

EFFECTS OF SUBSTANCES ON SLEEP

Alcohol

Alcohol is perhaps the best-studied substance in connection with sleep disturbances. Studies show that 13% of the general population used alcohol in the past year to go to sleep, and The effect of any psychoactive substance on an individual’s sleep will depend on whether that substance is a stimulant, depressant, or has other effects on the brain. A schema is portrayed in Figure 1 (see page 842). The effect of withdrawal from the substance generally will be opposite to the intoxication effects. Psychoactive substances are classifi ed as sedative hypnotics, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, and arylcyclohexylamines.