| This present study used an intensive longitudinal design to evaluate the impact of prior sleep on
subsequent alcohol use and the impact of prior alcohol use on subsequent sleep. We also
investigated which dimensions of sleep related to alcohol use. Participants (n = 50) completed
daily diaries while wearing an Actiwatch for 14 days (Study 1). These participants (n=50) and
another group (n=59) (total n = 109) completed sleep and alcohol use questionnaires (Study 2).
Participants with poorer average sleep were less likely to drink the next day. However, among
those who slept poorly and drank the next day, quantity of alcohol intake increased. Participants
with higher average alcohol intake had poorer daily sleep. The questionnaire study revealed that
poorer circadian timing predicted harmful alcohol use. This represents a dynamic relationship
between sleep and future alcohol use and a potential pathway for risk of developing harmful
alcohol use.
Key Words: sleep, alcohol use, actigraphy, reciprocal relationship, sleep health dimensions |