Sleep-wake disorders in veterans with opioid use disorder: Prevalence and comorbidities.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sleep-wake disorders among veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) and the demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, and outpatient medications in this group. METHODS: US veterans seeking care in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2021 with a diagnosis of OUD (N = 5937) were analyzed retrospectively for sleep-wake disorders (N = 1447). That group was analyzed for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and medications. RESULTS: Of those with OUD, 24.4% had a diagnosis of any sleep-wake disorder. The most common was obstructive sleep apnea (73.7%). Major depressive disorder (68.6%) and hypertension (67.1%) were the most common comorbid conditions. Commonly prescribed medications included antidepressants (91%) and benzodiazepines (62%). CONCLUSIONS: Veterans with OUD frequently suffer from sleep-wake disorders. Comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions and the detrimental effects of specific medication classes should be considered in this patient population to create more effective prevention and treatment strategies.