Researchers say the habit may affect the mental health of young people
Vape use significantly impacts the sleep quality and anxiety levels of young adults, suggests a new study from the University of Surrey.
Surrey researchers investigated the relationship between vaping, sleep quality and mental health of young adults aged 18-25 years.
‘It is now common to see a young person vaping,’ says Dr Simon Evans, Lecturer in Neuroscience at the University of Surrey.
‘The emergence of vape shops makes these products more readily available and increases the temptation to purchase them.’
‘What is worrying is that many are unaware of or simply downplay the dangers of such products, believing that something that tastes ‘fruity’ could not be harmful.’
‘This is not the case as the nicotine contained in the products is known to negatively affect brain development and may induce behaviours that increase the risk of developing substance abuse issues.’
Researchers examined how mindfulness can reduce the chances of a young person taking up the habit. They found that vape users had significantly lower levels of mindfulness and higher levels of rumination than their non-user peers.
The team say their results suggest higher levels of mindfulness might help protect young people from taking up vaping. They add participants who experienced higher levels of rumination could be vaping as a means to self-medicate against distress.
Their work also found that the sleep quality of vape users was significantly lower than that of their non-vaping peers, with more than three-quarters displaying symptoms of insomnia.
Stimulative properties of nicotine could result in poor sleep patterns
Researchers believe the stimulative properties of nicotine could result in poor sleep patterns. The study results suggest that sleep deprivation could increase vape use as a way to compensate for lethargy during the day.
Vape use amongst young people has risen drastically over the last decade and experts say that not enough is known about its effects.
Researchers surveyed more than 300 participants and found that anxiety levels were higher for vape users.
‘Vaping impacts all areas of physical and mental health. Poor sleep not only affects a young person’s daily functioning but, over the longer term, increases the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes,’ says Dr Evans.
‘In this study, we found a disturbing link between vape use and anxiety symptoms, and it can become a vicious cycle of using a vape to soothe anxiety but then being unable to sleep, making you feel worse in the long run.’
‘However, the data shows that interventions that focus on mindfulness and combating rumination could be useful to reduce vape use amongst young people.’
The study was published in the journal Healthcare.