The 24‐hour rhythm in alcohol craving and individual differences in sleep characteristics and alcohol use frequency

Abstract

Background Evidence implicates sleep/circadian factors in alcohol use, suggesting the existence of a 24‐h rhythm in alcohol craving, which may vary by individual differences in sleep factors and alcohol use frequency. This study sought to (1) replicate prior findings of a 24‐h rhythm in alcohol craving, and (2) examine whether individual differences in sleep timing, sleep duration, or alcohol use frequency are related to differences in the timing of the peak of the craving rhythm (i.e., the acrophase) or magnitude of fluctuation of the rhythm (i.e., amplitude). Finally, whether such associations varied by sex or racial identity was explored. Methods Two‐hundred fifteen adult drinkers (21 to 35 years of age, 72% male, 66% self‐identified as White) completed a baseline assessment of alcohol use frequency and then smartphone reports of alcohol craving intensity six times a day across 10 days. Sleep timing was also recorded each morning of the 10‐day period. Multilevel cosinor analysis was used to test the presence of a 24‐h rhythm and to estimate acrophase and amplitude. Results Multilevel cosinor analysis revealed a 24‐h rhythm in alcohol craving. Individual differences in sleep timing or sleep duration did not predict rhythm acrophase or amplitude. However, alcohol use frequency moderated this rhythm wherein individuals who used alcohol more frequently in the 30 days prior to beginning the study had higher mean levels of craving and greater rhythm amplitudes (i.e., greater rhythmic fluctuations). Associations did not vary by sex or racial identity. Conclusions Results show that alcohol craving exhibits a systematic rhythm over the course of the 24 h and that the frequency of alcohol use may be relevant to the shape of this rhythm. Consideration of daily rhythms in alcohol craving may further our understanding of the mechanisms that drive alcohol use.

Sleep-Related Predictors of Risk for Alcohol Use and Related Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults

“… 124 Recent studies have offered preliminary evidence that alcohol craving is influenced by sleep/circadian factors. Two studies reported the presence of a 24-hour rhythm in alcohol craving, 125 , 126 suggesting modulation by circadian rhythms, although the studies were mixed in whether sleep characteristics predicted the timing or amplitude of the craving rhythm. Lower sleep quality was associated with elevated tonic (i.e., long-term) craving as determined using the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale, but not with cue-induced craving (as measured using the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire) during a cue reactivity paradigm in patients with AUD.…”

“…Preliminary research found that later sleep timing was related to increased sensitivity to the stimulating effects of alcohol for White men but not Black men; 107 however, no differences existed in associations with 24-hour rhythms in alcohol craving for Black and White young adults. 125 …”