Exploring the Relationship Between Insomnia and Biological Factors, Substance Use, and Physical Activity in People With HIV in the United States: Insights From the PROSPER Study

Little is known about factors associated with insomnia in people with HIV (PWH). We conducted a secondary analysis to examine the relationship among insomnia and biological factors, substance use, and physical activity indicators. Five hundred and eighty-three PWH were included in this analysis. Insomnia was assessed using the validated HIV Symptom Index and dichotomized as present or absent. Drug and alcohol use was assessed using data from the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems patient-reported outcomes, including AUDIT-C. Actigraphy was used to assess physical activity. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t -tests, Chi-square tests, and relative risk regression analyses. We found associations between insomnia and employment status ( p < .01) and substance use (marijuana, tobacco, and methamphetamine use; p < .05) but not with physical activity indicators (all p > .05). Overall, these results suggest that PWH who report use of substances are more likely to experience insomnia, which can have implications on health and well-being.