Perceptions of Heavy-Drinking College Students About a Sleep and Alcohol Health Intervention

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to describe the sleep and psychological characteristics of heavy-drinking college students, their perceptions of sleep and sleep/alcohol interactions, and their reactions to a proposed integrated sleep and alcohol Web-based intervention. Students (N = 24) completed standardized surveys and participated in semistructured focus group interviews. Participants reported a high degree of sleep disturbance, sleep obstacles, and sleep-related consequences, which were validated by both quantitative and qualitative investigations. Sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment were associated with more frequent drinking and greater risks from drinking. Participants perceived that alcohol has positive and negative effects on sleep latency, continuity, and quality. They expressed overall enthusiasm for the intervention but had specific content and format preferences.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Stephanie S. O'Malley, PhD, for her assistance with study design, and Corey R. Roos, BA, for his assistance with study implementation.

FUNDING

This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health: K23AA020000 (LMF), P20NR014126 (HKY, NSR, RW), T32AA015496 (KSD); and by the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health: K23AA020000 (LMF), P20NR014126 (HKY, NSR, RW), T32AA015496 (KSD); and by the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.