Insomnia, Drinking & Mental Health: The Connection
- A significant portion of individuals struggling with sleep also grapple with alcohol misuse, with estimates ranging from one-third to over 90%.
- new research highlights the roles of perceived stress and depression in the connection between insomnia and hazardous drinking.
- Jessica Weafer, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and senior author of the study, explained that stress seems to...
Explore the intricate link between insomnia and alcohol misuse. A new study reveals how stress and depression uniquely influence this relationship,offering a deeper understanding of these interconnected health challenges. Discover how stress frequently enough precedes heavy drinking in those with insomnia, while depression is more strongly linked when alcohol use leads to sleep problems. This research highlights the importance of addressing both sleep disturbances and mental health for more effective treatment strategies. News Directory 3 breaks down the research connecting these issues. Learn how targeted interventions focused on stress management could reduce the likelihood of heavy drinking in individuals struggling with insomnia. The research findings may help to refine treatment approaches, offering fresh hope for those navigating the challenges of co-occurring conditions. Uncover the implications of this study in the journey to improved well-being.Discover what’s next …
Study: Stress, Depression Link Insomnia and Alcohol Misuse
Updated June 18, 2025
A significant portion of individuals struggling with sleep also grapple with alcohol misuse, with estimates ranging from one-third to over 90%.
new research highlights the roles of perceived stress and depression in the connection between insomnia and hazardous drinking. The study, published in Alcohol, reveals that stress and depression influence this relationship differently depending on wich condition develops first.
Jessica Weafer, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and senior author of the study, explained that stress seems to be the primary driver when insomnia precedes heavy drinking. conversely, depression appears to be the stronger link when drinking leads to insomnia.
The findings could lead to more targeted treatments. “If people who have insomnia are experiencing a lot of stress, then if we can target the stress, that might reduce the likelihood that their insomnia would lead to heavy drinking,” Weafer said.
Both insomnia and hazardous drinking can disrupt lives, impacting work productivity and increasing the risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by continued drinking despite negative consequences.
Weafer’s research aims to address the high co-occurrence of insomnia and AUD. “The number of people with AUD who also have insomnia is very, very high. It’s striking, and vital,” she said.
The study involved 405 volunteers who completed questionnaires assessing insomnia, drinking behaviors, perceived stress, and depression. Justin Verlinden, a cognitive neuroscience PhD student at the University of Kentucky and first author of the study, noted that the team sought to clarify the complex pathways connecting these issues.
“There are so many different pathways that could explain insomnia and alcohol use. We wanted to connect the dots and see if there’s anything there,” Verlinden said.
Statistical analysis revealed that stress and depression each contribute to the relationship between insomnia and drinking. Though, when considered together, their unique characteristics emerged. Stress, beyond its overlap with depression, better predicted heavy alcohol use following insomnia. Depression, self-reliant of stress, more strongly linked drinking to subsequent insomnia.
“That finding was very surprising, but showed the benefit of looking at both stress and depression in the same model, to see how those pathways might differ depending on what the directionality is,” Weafer said.
The researchers emphasize that stress and depression are only partial explanations, with other factors likely involved.
What’s next
The research team is gathering data over 12 months to better understand how insomnia, stress, and depression evolve together. They are also testing a digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (SHUTi) among heavy drinkers, with promising initial results.