Associations Between Depression, Sleep Quality, Alcohol Craving, and Alcohol-Related Consequences Among Emerging Adults.

Abstract

Background: Alcohol use among emerging adults is a public health concern, as it has been associated with numerous negative consequences. Poor sleep has repeatedly been associated with alcohol-related consequences in this age group, yet factors impacting this relationship and potential moderators remain largely unexplored.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to examine the indirect effect of poor sleep quality on alcohol-related consequences through alcohol craving and to determine whether depression moderates this association.

Methods: Emerging adults (N = 371, 56.9% White; 53.9% Male) were recruited through Prolific Academic. Participants answered questions related to alcohol use, alcohol-related consequences, alcohol craving, depression symptoms, and sleep habits.

Results: Bivariate correlations indicated there were significant positive associations between sleep quality, depression symptoms, alcohol craving, and alcohol-related consequences. There was an indirect effect of poor sleep quality on alcohol-related consequences through alcohol craving. Depression symptoms did not moderate this indirect effect.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that alcohol craving may be important to consider when investigating the relationship between poor sleep quality and alcohol-related consequences in emerging adult populations.