Exploring sleep-related problems among concerned others of individuals with mental health problems and/or problematic substance use
A cross-sectional study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22085755 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anita Øgård-Repål (University of Agder), Siri Håvås Haugland (0000-0002-5906-5453, University of Agder), John-Kåre Vederhus (University of Agder), Anja Nastasja Robstad (University of Agder), Tonje Holte Stea (0000-0002-3349-6706, University of Agder) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1703652-1703652 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-05 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1703652 |
| PMID | 41869593 |
| OpenAlex | W7133971985 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 18 |
Background: Mental health problems and/or problematic substance use (including alcohol) affect not only the individuals directly involved but also their close family members. Being a concerned other, a partner, parent, or child of someone with mental health problems or problematic substance use can be emotionally demanding and may negatively impact sleep health. This study aimed to examine whether concerned others are at increased risk of sleep-related symptoms compared with individuals without such family-related burdens. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 18,517 Norwegian adults (>18 years) by completing an online self-report questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, economic capability (SES) and gender were used to examine whether being a partner or parent of individuals struggling with substance use or mental health problems or having experienced a parent with problematic alcohol use or mental health problems during childhood was associated with sleep-related symptoms. Results: During childhood, 15.8% and 13.9% reported having parents with mental health problems or problematic alcohol use, respectively. In adulthood, 1 in 6 individuals reported being a partner or parent to someone with mental health problems, and 1 in 10 reported being a partner or parent to someone with problematic substance use. Childhood exposure to parental mental health problems or problematic alcohol use was significantly associated with increased odds of sleep initiation difficulties, sleep maintenance problems, daytime sleepiness, and chronic sleep issues in adulthood (ORs ranging from 1.43 to 1.73). Similarly, being a concerned other to someone with mental health problems or problematic substance use in adulthood was associated with increased odds of having the same sleep-related symptoms (ORs ranging from 1.56 to 1.95). Conclusion: Concerned others of individuals with mental health problems or problematic alcohol or substance use had higher prevalence of sleep-related symptoms. Both current caregiving and childhood exposure to such experiences are linked to poor sleep and potential long-term health consequences. These findings highlight the need for targeted support and early interventions to improve sleep and overall well-being among concerned others
Logistic regression · Mental health · Norwegian · Odds · Psychological intervention · Substance use · Suicide prevention · Family Caregiving in Mental Illness · Sleep and related disorders · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
The experiences of affected family members
Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption
Subjective and objective experiences of childhood adversity
Ten-Year Stability of an Insomnia Sleeper Phenotype and Its Association With Chronic Conditions
How do psychological characteristics of family members affected by substance use influence quality of life
Family Relationships and Troubled Sleep among U.S. Adults
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |