In recent years, vaping has surged in popularity, touted by some as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. With its sleek devices and an array of enticing flavors, vaping has captured the attention of many, particularly among younger demographics. However, amidst its allure lies a lesser-known concern: the potential impact of vaping on sleep.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. Although many are under the misconception e-cigarettes’ aerosol is water vapor, the Center of Addition states many of these particles contain varying amounts of toxic chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, as well as respiratory and heart disease.
A report in 2016 by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that vaping can become a gateway for teens and young adults a gateway to the world of smoking. Another study from the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests that vaping has nearly the same impact as cigarettes in terms of suppressing the essential immune system-related genes.
According to the blog Vaping360, “Nicotine is a stimulant that paradoxically can increase mental alertness and have a sedative effect. It’s conceivable that if you’re tired or fatigued from vaping, it could be similar to a caffeine crash. If you find yourself getting sleepy, try lowering or increasing your nicotine strength, or even eliminating it all together.”
Vaping and Sleeping
Sleep is a cornerstone of our overall health and well-being, yet it’s often overlooked in discussions about vaping. While the harmful effects of vaping on respiratory health and cardiovascular function have been well-documented, its influence on sleep remains a topic deserving of greater attention.
Vaping remains the go-to choice for many teens and young adults, even surpassing cigarette smoking in popularity. Despite growing awareness of its risks, the allure of vapes persists.
These electronic cigarettes pack a harmful punch, laden with nicotine and other chemicals linked to lung diseases. Recent studies shed light on who’s most drawn to vaping: young people with specific personality traits. What’s concerning is that those who vape often grapple with mental health challenges and wrestle with sleep problems.
Young Adults and Vaping
A recent study published in February 2024 in Healthcare sheds light on the intersection of vaping, mental health, and sleep among young adults. This study, conducted at the University of Surrey in England, aimed to understand the factors that contribute to vaping among college students aged 18-25.
Researchers surveyed 316 college students, investigating various aspects including mindfulness, rumination, self-compassion, chronotype (sleep patterns), tobacco use, mental health, and sleep habits. Among the participants, 263 were non-vapers and 49 were vapers.
The findings revealed striking differences between vapers and non-vapers, particularly concerning sleep patterns.
Over 77% of vapers reported experiencing insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling and staying asleep, compared to 64% of non-vapers. Additionally, a significant portion of vapers (74%) identified as “night owls,” exhibiting higher energy levels in the evening compared to only 40% of non-vapers. The researchers hypothesized that late bedtimes among night owls might create opportunities for vaping.
Mental health also emerged as a key factor associated with vaping. Anxiety was prevalent among over 95% of vapers, contrasting with 78% of non-vapers. Furthermore, feelings of loneliness and depression were more commonly reported among vapers.
The study uncovered personality traits among vapers, including higher levels of rumination (dwelling on thoughts and emotions) and lower levels of mindfulness and self-compassion. The authors suggest that individuals with these traits may be more inclined to vape as a coping mechanism for managing anxiety, distress, or other negative emotions.
If you have struggled with sleeping at night, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may ask for a sleep log and to point out signs of when restless nights started for you. But if vaping is part of your own routine or you are in the process of stopping, this could be the leading reason you are struggling at night.
The Alaska Sleep Clinic is available for free consultation by phone. And if you live in Alaska, you can try a sleep study if the problems have become more persistent.
