Sleep disturbances caused by alcohol can worsen mood disorders, creating a bidirectional relationship between poor sleep and negative emotional states. Individuals with pre-existing mood disorders may find that alcohol exacerbates their symptoms, leading to a decline in overall mental health. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) https://ecosoberhouse.com/ affects 40-50% of individuals with alcohol-induced sleep disorder. EDS is characterized by an overwhelming need to sleep during the day, even after a full night’s rest.
The Importance of Support Groups
If you’re dependent on alcohol, it’s important to detox under medical supervision. can alcohol cause insomnia Medical professionals can help you manage alcohol withdrawal and insomnia, and set you up for success in recovery. Likewise, long-term reliance on alcohol for sleep can contribute to an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Drinking a small amount of alcohol may help people fall asleep more quickly initially, but over time, individuals will need to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effect.

Practical Support
- Your journey to better health and better sleep can begin today with the right support and treatment.
- While alcohol may initially make you feel sleepy, it actually disrupts the quality of sleep by reducing REM sleep and deep sleep.
- However, alcohol actually disrupts normal sleep patterns and architecture, leading to poor-quality rest even when sleep seems to come easily.
- Anxiety and StressWhile alcohol might initially reduce anxiety, it can also lead to an increase in anxiety levels once it wears off, particularly in individuals prone to anxiety or those who drink to cope with stress.
- The heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature decrease to the lowest levels during this stage, and brain waves show the least activity at this point.
Alcohol might also loosen throat muscles, exacerbating conditions like sleep apnea, further affecting sleep quality. Harmony Place is a California state-licensed treatment facility and a leader in evidence-based treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. We offer an integrated program that maximizes clinical service and education. The first REM stage occurs around 90 minutes after a person falls asleep, and REM sleep occurs again every 90 minutes throughout the sleep cycle. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive withdrawal management programs and how we can help you or your loved one Alcoholics Anonymous take the first steps toward recovery. Your journey to better health and better sleep can begin today with the right support and treatment.

Medical Disclaimer
- The collective wisdom of support groups can be the key to conquering insomnia.
- Generally, even healthy alcohol consumption can lead to poor sleep quality.
- Limiting screen time, exercising regularly, and prioritizing nutrition and hydration are essential daily habits.
- This is usually a reaction to things happening in your life – the death of a loved one, major life changes, stopping taking a drug or stress over work.
Additionally, older individuals are more likely to have other health conditions that interact with alcohol, further complicating sleep patterns. Although working out might seem counterintuitive during withdrawal, regular exercise can significantly improve your sleep quality. Aim for moderate-intensity workouts like brisk walking or swimming most days of the week, but avoid stimulating activity close to bedtime. Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before bedtime to limit sleep disruption.
