Insufficient sleep is approximated to affect around one in five grownups. Disturbed sleep and short sleep, which are common insomnia symptoms, can increase the risk of various chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes. The link between the consumption of alcohol and sleep disorders is complicated. Since alcohol can act as a sedative and minimize sleep onset latency, it can relieve insomnia. However, drinking alcohol may also cause sleep disruption, specifically the rapid eye movement period sleep. Continuous use of alcohol to aid sleep can be a counterproductive long-term approach since alcohol influences sleep quality and increase the need to drink more.
Can Alcohol Cause Insomnia?
The link between alcohol consumption and insomnia can be naturally bidirectional. The negative effect of alcohol on sleep differs and is also linked to the amount of alcohol consumed. Several studies also support the connection between alcohol dependence and disorders linked to sleep, including insomnia. Binge drinking is also linked to disrupted sleep. Typically, specific brain cells found in the forebrain enhance a wakefulness state. Alcohol consumption seems to hinder neurotransmitters that stimulate these cells. This can affect the entire whole sleep-wake sequence, distracting sleep and eventually predisposing an individual to insomnia.
Alcohol’s Effects on REM Sleep
Forms of sleep are either REM (rapid eye movement) sleep or non-REM sleep. Drinking alcohol can potentially disturb virtually all sleep aspects, including non-REM and REM sleep. Although studies are somehow unclear, alcohol consumption generally reduces rapid eye movement. Moreover, long-term alcohol consumption usually reduces the quality of sleep. These sleep quality disorders can extend for years or months after quitting drinking. Fortunately, the condition can improve with time after quitting the habit.
Why Does Alcohol Consumption Make Someone Sleepy?
Since alcohol consumption has anesthetizing effects, it can make an individual feel sleepy. One of the primary alcohol effects is it enhances the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter known as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Basically, the primary function of this transmitter is slowing everything down. This reduction of brain function can enhance the sense of fatigue, making an individual feel sleepier.
Although some people consume alcohol to control insomnia, continuous alcohol consumption can easily make an individual develop tolerance to alcohol’s anesthetizing effect. This speedy tolerance development is linked with high self-administration of drinking alcohol before bedtime, which can eventually cause an alcohol use disorder. If you face sleep issues due to alcoholism, it is essential to seek help from a health or rehab professional. Furthermore, various sources such as https://www.ascendantny.com/detox-centers-new-jersey/ can also be helpful.
How Does Alcohol Withdrawal Affect Sleep?
Disturbed sleep and insomnia are typical withdrawal symptoms for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Approximately 36% to 72% of individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal have insomnia. Moreover, it is difficult for an individual to fall asleep, and also the total sleep time declines during withdrawal and addiction recovery. Sleep issues can last for months or even longer for some individuals as they recover from chronic alcoholism.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Sleep
Alcohol consumption and use of sleep medication are not recommendable strategies for achieving a night of healthy sleep. You can use commercial CBD oils as an alternative or get help looking for cannabis seeds to make your own. Other than that, there are also natural ways to fix insomnia. The following are natural ways of improving your general sleep quality.
· Adopt good sleep patterns, including maintaining a specific bedtime and rising time
· Do not nap
· Avoid using stimulants such as caffeine in the evening
· Engage in physical activities, but not too close to sleeping hours
· Consider reading before going to bed, since this gives someone something to look forward to.
· Take a warm bath to allow the body to relax
Alcohol consumption has many effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, alcoholism can also affect an individual’s social life. As seen above, alcohol consumption affects someone’s sleeping pattern, which can cause serious health complications.