Sleep and Alcohol – An Incompatible Mix

Tuesday 22nd February 2011

An evening tipple is usually on many people's agendas after a hard working day. Alcohol is often used as a means of unwinding with the added advantage and misconception of a long lasting sedative. A nightcap is often relied upon as a fast ticket to the realms of slumber. However, alcohol's soothing effects are fleeting and although the length of time required to fall asleep may be reduced, the quality of sleep is poor. An otherwise natural mode of sleep is replaced by an alcohol induced state that is unable to deliver the same restorative benefits. This means that wakefulness becomes less productive as a result.

Alcohol is thought to disrupt our 'sleep architecture', a scientific term that refers to the construction and ordering of patterns and brain waves when we sleep, which are responsible for the refreshed feeling we experience after a full night of serene rest. Alcohol that is consumed an hour before bed is believed to disrupt the second half of the sleep period. The first half may be relatively peaceful but this is no compensation for the sleep deprivation that follows. Sleep may be fitful, characterised by tossing and turning, fluctuating temperatures and dehydration, which are all symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and a release of toxins that occurs as the body attempts to break down alcohol. The sleeper wakens from vivid or confusing dreams, finding it difficult to fall back to sleep. The elderly are more at risk from experiencing a disruptive night of sleep, as they experience higher levels of alcohol in the blood and brain than a younger person.

Consuming alcohol before bed also seems to exacerbate sleep problems, slowing breathing and relaxing the throat muscles. People who don't usually snore, do so after they have been drinking, which also keeps partners awake, revealing the knock on effects of alcohol upon sleep.

Although alcohol is part of many nightly rituals, used to relax and enjoy socialisation; it can actually be a hindrance when it comes to achieving quality sleep. As with many things moderation seems to be the key. If you want to experience a night of complete rest then it seems best to avoid alcohol altogether or at least an hour before bed.

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Category: Ergo Flex News

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