Impact of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms on Addiction Vulnerability in Adolescents

Abstract

Sleep homeostasis and circadian function are important maintaining factors for optimal health and well-being. Conversely, sleep and circadian disruptions are implicated in a variety of adverse health outcomes, including substance use disorders. These risks are particularly salient during adolescence. Adolescents require 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, although few consistently achieve these durations. A mismatch between developmental changes and social/environmental demands contributes to inadequate sleep. Homeostatic sleep drive takes longer to build, circadian rhythms naturally become delayed, and sensitivity to the phase-shifting effects of light increases, all of which lead to an evening preference (i.e., chronotype) during adolescence. In addition, school start times are often earlier in adolescence and the use of electronic devices at night increases, leading to disrupted sleep and circadian misalignment (i.e., social jet lag). Social factors (e.g., peer influence) and school demands further impact sleep and circadian rhythms. To cope with sleepiness, many teens regularly consume highly caffeinated energy drinks and other stimulants, creating further disruptions in sleep. Chronic sleep loss and circadian misalignment enhance developmental tendencies toward increased reward sensitivity and impulsivity, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors and exacerbating the vulnerability to substance use and substance use disorders. We review the neurobiology of brain reward systems and the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms changes on addiction vulnerability in adolescence and suggest areas that warrant additional research.

Preliminary Evidence That Real World Sleep Timing and Duration are Associated With Laboratory‐Assessed Alcohol Response

“…Prior studies in this area have investigated predominantly White samples, largely ignoring potential race differences; our findings suggest this is an oversight that should be addressed. Later sleep timing may increase sensitivity to stimulation via altered circadian modulation of mesolimbic/dopaminergic reward circuitry (Logan et al., ). If so, pharmacological interventions (e.g., Naltrexone) designed to reduce the stimulating effects of alcohol via effects on dopaminergic reward processes may reduce risk in individuals identified as having later sleep timing.…”

Cell-Type-Specific Regulation of Nucleus Accumbens Synaptic Plasticity and Cocaine Reward Sensitivity by the Circadian Protein, NPAS2

“…Circadian rhythm disturbances are linked to the development and progression of neuropsychiatric illnesses, including sub-stance use disorders (Logan et al, 2014). Perturbations of the circadian system may contribute to the vulnerability for substance use (DePoy et al, 2017;Logan et al, 2018). Moreover, human genetic studies associate circadian gene variants and polymorphisms with mood and addiction disorders (McCarthy and Welsh, 2012;Shumay et al, 2012).…”

The use of energy drinks in adolescents: a risky behaviour

“…This seems to be linked to a tendency to suffer from depression and selfharm episodes and to a continuous search to experience new things. 22 This is related to the results of the studies by Holubcikova J et al, 23 Schwartz DL et al. 24 and Kim SY et al, 25 in those with higher consumption of EDs, the association between anxious, depressive, hyperactive, violent and self-injurious behaviours increase.…”

“…This situation caused by EDs, favours the perpetuation of the consumption habit to be able to counteract daytime fatigue, which leads them to a worse academic performance and to live the night world prematurely, where they are more exposed to substance abuse. 22 In fact, evening chronotypes are associated with depression, decreased reward circuits, poor self-perception, impulsivity and experience new sensations. We believe that sustained sleep deprivation could lead to a damage on adolescents' brain circuits, with a decrease in reward circuits.…”