In a cross-sectional survey of primary physicians and their patients, we examined whether greater levels of alcohol consumption is associated with a variety of self-reported sleep problems. Patients were asked questions on demographics, alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorders, sleep quality, insomnia, sleep apnea, and symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
View a copy of the survey instrument.(2-page PDF file. About PDFs)
Sleep Problems, Alcohol Consumption, and Chronic Disease in Primary Care Settings - Identification of Patients
Study Description and Methods
Specific Aims and Objectives
The aims of this pilot project are to determine:
- The relationship between various manifestations of sleep disorders and types and severity of alcohol problems (alcohol dependence, risky drinking) of patients presenting to their primary care clinician;
- The clinician’s awareness of these two types of patient problems; and
- The relationship between these two problems and selected chronic diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, depression).
Timeline
This study was conducted from October 2, 2007 through September 02, 2008.
Status
This study is completed. Please see below for Key Findings and Publications (coming out soon)!
Contact Information
For additional information about this study, please contact:
James Galliher, PhD
Research Director
AAFP National Research Network
1-800-274-2237 x3120
jgallihe@aafp.org
James Galliher, PhD
Research Director
AAFP National Research Network
1-800-274-2237 x3120
jgallihe@aafp.org
In the News
News Staff, “NRN Looking For Participants In Alcohol and Sleep Problems Study”. AAFP News Now, Sept 28, 2007.
Presentations
“Exploring the Associations between Alcohol and Sleep problems in Primary Care Settings”. Annual Conference of the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) in San Juan, PR on November 16, 2008.
Key Findings and Publications
Moderate and hazardous drinking were associated with few sleep problems. However, using alcohol for sleep was strongly associated with hazardous drinking relative to moderate drinking and may serve as a prompt for physicians to ask about excessive alcohol use.
Access the complete manuscript:
Access the complete manuscript:
This project was funded by a grant from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
