Insufficient Sleep in Ohio and Its Complication in Risky Behaviors

Abstract

Background Insufficient sleep is a major public health concern in the United States. Lack of sufficient sleep causes impaired decision making that can increase the chance of participating in risky behavior. Methods County Health Rankings data from Ohio in 2016 and 2022 were reviewed for percentage of insufficient sleep and risky behaviors. We identified excessive alcohol use, driving deaths due to alcohol, drug overdose mortality, and percentage of smokers as risky behaviors. Urban and rural counties were identified via HRSA. Results: There was a significant increase in insufficient sleep from 2016 to 2022 in Ohio. Smoking and drug overdose mortality were positively correlated with insufficient sleep, while excessive alcohol use was negatively correlated with insufficient sleep. No differences in sleep or risky behaviors were seen in urban and rural counties. Conclusion: This study examines the link between insufficient sleep and engagement in risky behaviors such as drug overdose, a pressing issue in Ohio, highlighting the importance of implementing screening and intervention programs to improve sleep in order to potentially reduce the likelihood of participating in such risky behaviors, with implications for both medical practitioners and patients