Objective/Background: Poor sleep and nonmedical use (NMU) of
prescription drugs (
NMUPD) are both common among college students. Since lack of sleep adversely influences academic performance, this study examined the association between
NMUPD and subjective sleep quality among college students. Participants: Students who completed the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment data (Fall 2010, Spring 2011; N = 135,874). Methods: Associations were examined between
NMUPD in four classes over the past 12 months (
antidepressant, painkillers,
sedatives, and stimulants), and five aspects of sleep quality (Enough Sleep,
Early Awakening,
Daytime Sleepiness, Difficulty Falling Asleep, and Problem With
Daytime Sleepiness) in the past seven days. Results: Any
NMUPD (at least one class), NMU of stimulants specifically, and NMU of painkillers specifically were associated with getting fewer days of Enough Sleep (OR: 0.86, 0.93, and 0.84 respectively), more days of
Early Awakening (OR: 1.28, 1.10, and 1.28 respectively),
Daytime Sleepiness (OR: 1.23, 1.13, and 1.16 respectively), and Difficulty Falling Asleep (OR:1.32, 1.10, and 1.27 respectively; p < .0001, each). NMU of
sedatives was significantly associated with having Problem With
Daytime Sleepiness (OR: 1.10), more days of
Early Awakening (OR: 1.12), and Difficulty Falling Asleep (OR: 1.17; p < .0001). Conclusions:
NMUPD is associated with poor sleep among college students. Therefore, behavioral medicine screening and treatment of this vulnerable population should consider sleep health,
NMUPD, and the potential that these problems may be comorbid.