Poor sleep and addiction go hand in hand − understanding how could lead to new treatments for opioid use disorder

Whether sleep disorders worsen addiction or addiction worsens sleep disorders is unclear. Maria Korneeva/Moment via Getty Images

A good night’s sleep often sets the stage for a positive day. But for the nearly quarter of American adults struggling with mental illness, a good night’s rest is often elusive.

For patients with psychiatric conditions from addiction to mood disorders such as depression, disrupted sleep can often exacerbate symptoms and make it harder to stay on treatment.