UC San Diego

This study evaluated whether a history of lifetime methamphetamine (MA) use disorder increases risk for poor sleep quality in people with or without HIV infection (HIV+/HIV-). Participants (n = 313) were stratified into four groups based on HIV status and lifetime MA use disorder diagnosis [HIV+/MA+ (n = 84); HIV+/MA- (n = 141); HIV-/MA+ (n = 16); and HIV-/MA- (n = 72)] and compared on global sleep outcomes using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Significant differences on global sleep were observed between HIV+/MA+ and HIV+/MA- groups, but not between the HIV- groups. Follow-up multiple regression analyses within the HIV+ subgroups examined global sleep scores as a function of MA status and clinical covariates, including those related to HIV disease and demographics. HIV+ individuals with a history of MA use disorder evidenced significantly poorer sleep quality and were more likely to be classified as problematic sleepers than those without a lifetime disorder. This was independent of depressed mood, body mass index, and viral suppression while on treatment. Poorer reported sleep quality among HIV+/MA+ was associated also with multiple adverse functional outcomes, including greater objective cognitive impairment, unemployment, clinical ratings of functional impairment, and self-reported cognitive difficulties, decreased independence in activities of daily living, and poorer overall life quality. Interventions to avoid or curtail MA use in HIV+ individuals may help protect sleep quality and improve functioning.