The Prevalence of Nicotine Use and Insomnia

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 24 views

The Hidden Dangers of Nicotine: Uncovering the Impact on Insomnia in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products, has become a widespread concern globally. With an estimated 32.6% of men and 6.5% of women using nicotine worldwide, its effects on human health are a pressing issue. Insomnia, a common sleep disorder affecting over a third of the Indonesian population, has been linked to nicotine use, particularly in heavy smokers who experience shallow and disturbed sleep. This study aims to investigate the impact of nicotine on insomnia among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, focusing on nicotine dependence, demographics, and its relation to insomnia. By understanding the negative effects of nicotine on sleep quality and health, this research seeks to provide valuable insights for the prevention and reduction of nicotine dependence among students.

The Prevalence of Nicotine Use and Insomnia

Nicotine, as a stimulant, has a profound effect on the brain, particularly in small doses. However, in large doses, it can act as a block, disrupting normal brain function. Insomnia, a condition characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, affects over 10% of the Indonesian population, with significant symptoms experienced by more than a third of the total population. The relationship between nicotine use and insomnia is complex, with heavy smokers often experiencing shallow and disturbed sleep. This study aims to explore the correlation between nicotine dependence and insomnia among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing a questionnaire as a tool to collect data on nicotine and insomnia dependence. The research sample consisted of students from the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, selected through sequential sampling techniques. The study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, with the dependent variable being nicotine and insomnia dependence. Data were analyzed using the Bivariate Spearman correlation test, which measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

Results

The results of the study, involving 90 participants, revealed a significant and positive relationship between nicotine and insomnia dependence (p <0.001; ρ = 0.369). This finding suggests that individuals with higher levels of nicotine dependence are more likely to experience insomnia. The study also highlighted the association between nicotine use and insomnia, which affects neurotransmitters and the part of the brain that regulates sleep.

Analysis and Discussion

The relationship between nicotine and insomnia dependence in this study indicates that the higher the level of nicotine dependence, the more likely individuals experience insomnia. This is caused by nicotine's effects on sleep patterns, affecting neurotransmitters involved in the sleeping process, such as serotonin and dopamine. Heavy smokers may face difficulties entering deep sleep phases and maintaining good sleep quality. This study underlines the importance of a deeper understanding of the health effects of nicotine use, particularly among students of the Faculty of Medicine, who should be aware of the health risks caused by smoking habits.

The Role of Students in Promoting Anti-Nicotine Campaigns

As agents of change, students of the Faculty of Medicine can play a crucial role in encouraging anti-nicotine campaigns among their peers. By increasing awareness of the adverse effects of nicotine on sleep and mental health, it is hoped that there will be a reduction in the level of nicotine dependence among students. This study emphasizes the importance of further knowledge and education about the impact of nicotine use on insomnia and its effects on physical and mental health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found a significant relationship between nicotine and insomnia dependence, with a positive correlation. This finding highlights the importance of further knowledge and education about the impact of nicotine use on insomnia and its effects on physical and mental health. A higher awareness of this risk can help reduce the prevalence of smoking and its adverse effects among students in the University of North Sumatra.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness: Raise awareness among students about the adverse effects of nicotine on sleep and mental health.
Education and training: Provide education and training on the impact of nicotine use on insomnia and its effects on physical and mental health.
Promote anti-nicotine campaigns: Encourage anti-nicotine campaigns among students, highlighting the risks associated with nicotine use.
Support for students: Offer support to students who are struggling with nicotine dependence, providing resources and guidance for quitting.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the prevalence of nicotine dependence among students in the University of North Sumatra will decrease, leading to improved sleep quality and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Impact of Nicotine on Insomnia in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Q: What is the relationship between nicotine and insomnia?

A: The study found a significant and positive relationship between nicotine and insomnia dependence, indicating that individuals with higher levels of nicotine dependence are more likely to experience insomnia.

Q: How does nicotine affect sleep patterns?

A: Nicotine affects sleep patterns by altering the levels of neurotransmitters involved in the sleeping process, such as serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to difficulties entering deep sleep phases and maintaining good sleep quality.

Q: What are the health effects of nicotine use on insomnia?

A: Nicotine use can lead to a range of health effects on insomnia, including difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, shallow and disturbed sleep, and increased risk of sleep disorders.

Q: Why is it important for students to be aware of the risks associated with nicotine use?

A: As agents of change, students of the Faculty of Medicine can play a crucial role in promoting anti-nicotine campaigns among their peers. By increasing awareness of the adverse effects of nicotine on sleep and mental health, it is hoped that there will be a reduction in the level of nicotine dependence among students.

Q: What can students do to reduce their risk of nicotine dependence?

A: Students can reduce their risk of nicotine dependence by avoiding nicotine-containing products, such as tobacco and e-cigarettes, and by seeking support from friends, family, or healthcare professionals if they are struggling with nicotine dependence.

Q: How can students promote anti-nicotine campaigns among their peers?

A: Students can promote anti-nicotine campaigns by raising awareness about the risks associated with nicotine use, providing education and training on the impact of nicotine use on insomnia and its effects on physical and mental health, and by offering support to peers who are struggling with nicotine dependence.

Q: What are the benefits of quitting nicotine?

A: Quitting nicotine can lead to a range of benefits, including improved sleep quality, reduced risk of sleep disorders, and improved overall health and well-being.

Q: Where can students seek support for quitting nicotine?

A: Students can seek support for quitting nicotine from friends, family, healthcare professionals, or support groups, such as the National Quitline or the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program.

Q: What are the long-term effects of nicotine use on insomnia?

A: The long-term effects of nicotine use on insomnia are not fully understood, but it is believed that chronic nicotine use can lead to a range of sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.

Q: Can nicotine use lead to other health problems?

A: Yes, nicotine use can lead to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer.