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This is an excellent and highly relevant question, as sleep issues are a major driver of substance use among young adults. While the exact percentage varies by study and demographic, the research consistently shows that a significant minority of young adults use cannabis or alcohol specifically as a sleep aid.
Here’s a breakdown of the key statistics and important context:
Key Statistics from Recent Research
Cannabis for Sleep: Studies in the U.S. and Canada estimate that 30-40% of current young adult cannabis users (ages 18-25) report using it specifically to help with sleep. Among those with insomnia symptoms, the percentage is even higher.
A 2021 study published in Sleep Health found that over 40% of young adults with insomnia symptoms used cannabis to help them sleep.
Medicinal use for sleep is now a primary reason for obtaining a medical marijuana card among young adults.
Alcohol for Sleep: The use of alcohol as a sleep aid is also prevalent, though often underreported as a “sleep strategy.”
The National Sleep Foundation’s surveys have found that approximately 20% of adults (a bracket that includes young adults) report using alcohol to help them fall asleep.
It’s often used in a “self-medicating” pattern, especially after a stressful day or to quiet racing thoughts.
Crucial Context and Cautions
It’s vital to understand that while these substances may seem to help with sleep onset (falling asleep), they significantly disrupt sleep architecture and quality.
Alcohol: Initially acts as a sedative but metabolizes quickly, leading to rebound arousal in the second half of the night. It suppresses REM sleep (the restorative dream stage), fragments sleep, and often leads to early morning awakenings. This creates a cycle of poor sleep leading to more use.
Cannabis: While it can shorten the time to fall asleep, it also suppresses REM sleep and alters sleep cycles. Heavy or frequent use is linked to less restorative sleep. A significant risk is tolerance and dependence, where users find they cannot sleep without it, and may experience worsened rebound insomnia when they try to stop.
Demographics and Trends
Young adults with mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD) are disproportionately more likely to use substances for sleep.
This behavior is often a form of self-medication for underlying sleep disorders (like insomnia) or stress, rather than a recreational choice.
With increasing legalization and social acceptance of cannabis, its perceived legitimacy as a sleep aid has grown, though clinical evidence for its long-term efficacy and safety is still lacking.
Conclusion
In summary, it is estimated that between 30-40% of young adult cannabis users, and roughly 20% of young adults more broadly, use cannabis or alcohol specifically to aid sleep. This represents a widespread, problematic coping strategy that can mask underlying issues and lead to poorer sleep quality and potential substance dependence over time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist for strategies (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I) that are effective and non-habit-forming.
