Sleeplessness, insomnia, poor sleep health. Whatever you want to call it, it’s hard to deny the exhausting epidemic affecting millions of people all over the world. People, as a whole, are getting less rest and are desperately turning to pills or other aids as a result.
Nightcap Before Bed Is Not A Good Idea
Along with prescription medications and old folk remedies, many have incorporated a glass or two of alcohol into their nightly routine to try to catch a few more hours of shuteye. But does this method really work?
In two separate studies, up to 28% of people said they use alcohol to help them fall asleep.
Despite what many believe, that nightcap might be destroying the quality of your ZZZs because…
Deceptively Drowsy
Alcohol makes you fall asleep faster, which some people think is a benefit. But they end up with lower quality rest.
You could be waking up through the night on your luxury mattress and not remember the next morning. But you’ll feel more tired, for sure.
Alcohol changes brain activity during your night spent asleep, resulting in a less restful experience. There is often an increase in deep sleep in the first half of the night, but people experience disruptions in the latter half.
Some alcohol drinkers wake up earlier and have trouble falling back asleep.
Ways Alcohol Disrupts Your Night
More Bathroom Breaks
Drinking before bed means your liver works overtime to rid the body of toxins. Requiring you to make more bathroom trips in the middle of the night.
Night Sweats
Alcohol can make you feel like you are warmer than you actually are, potentially heightening cold-weather-related dangers.
Binge-drinking or hangovers can affect the natural balance of hormones, causing hot flashes.
The brain, heart, and liver contribute greatly to overall body heat. When the liver kicks into overdrive working through alcoholic toxins, the body’s temperature can rise.
Sleep Apnea
People who drink are more likely to snore! Alcohol relaxes muscles in the throat, making snoring and sleep apnea more of a concern.
Deep Dive: What Alcohol Does to Your Sleep Cycle
Alcohol and REM
Drinking before bed can also interfere with REM and your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
The higher the amount consumed, the more disrupted REM can become.
REM begins much later no matter the amount of alcohol consumed.
More Vivid Dreams
Alcohol may cause some sleepers to reenact their dreams in their sleep. People can walk, talk, and perform actions without actually knowing what is going on.
Drinking can cause dreams to feel more real and vivid… but be careful! This also affects how real nightmares can feel!
Sleep responsibly 🙂
Source Links: Sleepadvisor.org
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Nothing on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.