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E-cigarette use is associated with higher odds of insufficient sleep among adolescents and young adults

This structured narrative review of six empirical studies and one narrative review found that exclusive e-cigarette use was consistently associated with 30-80% higher odds of insufficient sleep among adolescents and young adults. Dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes showed the strongest associations, being up to three times more likely to report inadequate sleep, and also exhibited increased sleep latency.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The Association Between E-cigarette Use and Sleep Duration Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Structured Narrative Review.

observational

Mishra N, Mehta R · Cureus (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: E-cigarette use (exclusive and dual use with combustible cigarettes)
Outcome: Sleep duration (insufficient sleep), sleep latency, sleep disturbances
Effect Size: Odds ratio range: 1.3-1.8 for exclusive use; up to 3.0 for dual use (reported as '30-80% higher odds' and 'up to three times more likely')
Population: Adolescents and young adults

Result:

PubMed: 42598725DOI: 10.7759/cureus.112672

Mechanism Graph

Nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
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This leads to increased arousal and disrupted sleep architecture
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Nicotine withdrawal during sleep causes nighttime awakenings and reduced sleep quality
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Result: Insufficient sleep duration and increased sleep latency

Limitations

  • ⚠This is a narrative review, not a systematic review or meta-analysis, so selection bias may be present
  • ⚠The included studies are mostly cross-sectional, limiting causal inference
  • ⚠Potential confounding by other substance use or mental health issues may not be fully adjusted
  • ⚠Self-reported sleep measures may be subject to recall bias

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the association between e-cigarette use and sleep duration in youth?▼

Exclusive e-cigarette use is associated with 30-80% higher odds of insufficient sleep, while dual use with combustible cigarettes is associated with up to three times higher odds of inadequate sleep.

Does the relationship between e-cigarette use and sleep problems go both ways?▼

Emerging evidence suggests a potential bidirectional relationship: sleep problems may increase susceptibility to vaping initiation, and vaping may worsen sleep.

What are the possible mechanisms linking e-cigarettes to poor sleep?▼

Nicotine's neurobiological effects on arousal and withdrawal likely contribute to sleep disruption, including increased sleep latency and reduced sleep duration.

Could improving sleep help reduce vaping in youth?▼

The review suggests that interventions targeting sleep may help reduce nicotine use, and reducing youth vaping may improve sleep health.

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References

  1. 1.Mishra N, Mehta R. "The Association Between E-cigarette Use and Sleep Duration Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Structured Narrative Review.." Cureus, 2026. PMID: 42598725 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.112672
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.