How Alcoholism Affects Sleep

Sleep is a mysterious yet vital activity for people and animals alike.  Getting a good night’s rest can be the difference between a positive day and a torturous day.  Alcoholism does a lot to ruin a person’s sleep while they are actively drinking and even possibly for years after they become sober.  You don’t want to miss the truth about how sleep and alcoholism connect.

Sleep Disrupted Second Half of Night

Most people assume that having a night cap will help them nod of to sleep and avoid insomnia.  Or, if they are drinking with friends in the evening, at least they won’t have any trouble sleeping that night.  Alcohol may make a person drowsy at first.  But the big problem comes when they wake halfway through the night and have fitful or no sleep the rest of the time.  That can make the next day fairly miserable.  Even just a few drinks anytime in the evening can have these far reaching effects on sleep.

The older a person is, the more dangerous nighttime drinking can become.  Older people can become more intoxicated with the same amount as a younger person.  So while they might think that having one or two drinks at bedtime isn’t a big deal, the effects may overwhelm them if they wake in the night.  They might become unsteady and increase their chances of falling, which may already be higher because of their age.

Alcoholism and Sleep Problems

Since even a small to moderate amount of alcohol can adversely affect sleep, it’s easy to see how alcoholics would have some significant sleep problems.  It takes much longer for them the fall asleep and the nighttime waking is very disruptive.  Unfortunately, even a person who has been sober for years can have continued sleep problems.  The night disruption and ease of falling asleep may improve after several months or it may remain.  There is no way to know how any one person will react during their alcohol treatment.  Lack of feeling rested can be a strong relapse trigger for some recovering alcoholics.

Restore Sleep Patterns By Starting Alcohol Rehab

Going to alcohol rehab won’t necessarily mend an alcoholic’s sleep problems right away.  It can take a long time for sleep to become even somewhat restful in a predictable way.  But getting sober is the start for getting better sleep.  When you start alcohol rehab, you give your body a chance to live without the damaging effects of alcohol.  It’s a place learn about good sleep habits and a good sleeping environment.  Alcoholics wanting better sleep can get a good start at alcohol rehab.

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