Researchers have discovered that children and teens who have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep may be more likely to develop a substance use disorder. This discovery comes from a study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. This was an important topic of study because national research show that 45 percent of adolescents do not get enough sleep. Researchers wanted to see if this would have an effect on their alcohol or drug use.

The researchers of the study questioned 6,504 adolescents, both boys and girls, who were participating in the National Longitudinal study of Adolescent Health. They sent out numerous surveys in the years 1994-95, 1996, and 2001-2002.

Researchers predicted through these results that the children who have abnormal sleep schedules or those who do not get enough sleep are more likely to develop alcohol related problems. These problems may include a tendency to binge drink, drive under the influence or blackout while drinking.

These results were also related to studies done with adults. Studies have shown that adults who do not sleep well consume more alcohol, which is similar to what the children may do in the future.

Doctors on the study urge parents to monitor their children’s sleep schedules and make sure there are no difficulties.