Regular drinking has also been linked to shorter periods of rapid eye movement https://ecosoberhouse.com/ (REM) sleep, a disrupted circadian rhythm, and snoring. So, when you quit alcohol, your stress and anxiety levels may spike, and these elevated levels are not conducive to peaceful sleep. Patients of alcohol withdrawal often report frequent nighttime awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, and unsatisfactory sleep quality. Thankfully, these effects are temporary and subside as the body gradually acclimates to the absence of alcohol.

Specific Brain Cells

That’s because alcohol interferes with the ability to stay asleep and to get high-quality, deep sleep. This may mean a night alcohol insomnia of drinking too much and impacted sleep could both be contributing to a headache the next morning. If you’ve ever had a drink or two and fallen asleep only to wake up at 2 or 3 a.m., there’s also a reason for that. As alcohol wears off, it can cause a withdrawal effect that can wake you up. Treating anxiety can help reduce insomnia and improve overall sleep quality.

• The Whitehall II study was established in 1985 as a longitudinal study to examine the socioeconomic gradient in health and disease among 10,308 civil servants (6895 men and 3413 women)12.
• But when you combine these substances, their sedative effects amplify each other, and not in a good way.
• Acute insomnia is triggered in them by stress promoting events (precipitating factors).

Building Sustainable Sleep Habits

RLS is a neurological condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations. Alcohol can worsen RLS symptoms by affecting dopamine levels, which regulate movement. Individuals with RLS may experience worsening symptoms after consuming alcohol, particularly in Alcohol Use Disorder the evening or at night, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep. While withdrawal insomnia can be challenging, most people experience significant improvement in sleep quality as their recovery progresses.

Why Does Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Insomnia?

• Insomnia is a disorder that prevents someone from achieving a restful night’s sleep.
• This means that someone self-medicating spirals deeper into their dependency, turning it into a full-blown addiction faster.
• The perpetual use of alcohol as a sleep aid may be a counterproductive long-term strategy as alcohol disrupts sleep quality and intensifies the need to consume more alcohol8.
• Over time, this can lead to improved relationships both personally and professionally and an increased capacity to tackle the stresses of professional life.
• One of the most significant ways it does this is by increasing sleep fragmentation, a phenomenon characterized by frequent awakenings throughout the night.

Withdrawal insomnia can be a significant relapse trigger if not properly managed. Many people returning to alcohol use cite sleep problems as a major factor in their decision to drink again. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can help identify and address any ongoing sleep problems before they become serious enough to threaten recovery. This might include periodic sleep assessments, medication adjustments if needed, therapy sessions focused on sleep management, and connection with support groups or resources. When alcohol is discontinued, the brain attempts to make up for this lost REM sleep through a phenomenon called REM rebound.

Medical

Fatigue refers to a persistent feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that is not relieved by rest. The fragmented and non-restorative sleep caused by alcohol leads to chronic sleep deprivation, manifesting as fatigue. Over time, this can affect both physical and mental health, contributing to a cycle of poor sleep and daytime exhaustion.

When a person drinks alcohol, doing so in small or moderate amounts several hours before sleep can reduce the chance of sleep issues. People with sleep apnea should consider avoiding or reducing alcohol consumption. A person can speak with a doctor to discuss the best way to treat and manage their condition. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol hours before sleep may be sufficient for treating mild, short-term insomnia.