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

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.