Dual Use of E-Cigarettes with Conventional Tobacco is Associated with Increased Sleep Latency

Abstract

RationaleHealth effects of e-cigarettes remain relatively unknown, including impact on sleep quality. We previously showed in a pilot study that females who both smoke conventional tobacco and vape e-cigarettes (dual users) had decreased sleep quality and more difficulty falling asleep, suggesting an effect of gender. We undertook this study in a larger cohort to assess the impact of e-cigarette, conventional tobacco, and dual use on sleep quality, cough, and drug use.MethodsParticipants (n = 1198) were recruited through online surveys posted to social media sites with a monetary incentive. Participants were grouped by inhalant use, with 8% e-cigarette users, 12% conventional tobacco users, 30% dual users, and 51% non-smokers/non-vapers.ResultsDual use of e-cigarettes and conventional tobacco was associated with increased sleep latency relative to non-smokers/non-vapers (p = 0.012). Dual use was also associated with a higher reporting of cough (p = 0.034), as well as increased marijuana (p < 0.001) and cocaine usage (p < 0.001).DiscussionDual use is associated with longer sleep latency, suggesting that the shared component nicotine may be a driver. Because sleep broadly impacts multiple aspects of human health, defining the effects of e-cigarettes and vaping devices on sleep is critical to further our understanding of the effects of vaping on health.