During normal sleep, throat muscles already relax a bit; with alcohol, they collapse even more, making your airway narrower. Alcohol also engorges the blood vessels in your nose, leading to congested nasal passages. The combination of a floppier throat and stuffy nose means much higher airway resistance when you breathe at night. It’s been shown that people who drink have about a 25% higher risk of developing OSA compared to non-drinkers. And if you’re someone who already snores, alcohol will amplify that and can tip you into apnea territory. While some people find that drinking why cant i sleep after drinking alcohol alcohol helps them fall asleep more easily, alcohol ultimately has a negative impact on sleep.
The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep Cycles
Caffeine past mid-day, long afternoon naps, and bright screens too close to bedtime can keep you up and wired until late at night. Stay away from things that cause you stress and anxiety close to bedtime, too. If alcoholism symptoms sleep problems after drinking start to feel like a constant companion rather than an occasional annoyance, it might be time to dig deeper.
Melatonin
Medical detox programs provide round-the-clock monitoring and support for withdrawal symptoms, including sleep disturbances. Age significantly influences withdrawal insomnia severity, with older adults often experiencing more persistent sleep https://ecosoberhouse.com/ problems due to natural age-related changes in sleep architecture. Overall physical health also matters, as people with medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain may have additional factors that complicate sleep during withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal insomnia refers to the significant sleep disturbances that occur when someone stops drinking after a period of regular alcohol use. These sleep problems are among the most common and persistent withdrawal symptoms, often lasting weeks or months after the last drink. The improved overall sleep quality and consistency have far-reaching effects on various aspects of life.
The Science Behind Hangover-Induced Insomnia
Alcohol keeps you awake because your body continues to metabolize it while you sleep, affecting your overall sleep quality. While alcohol can help you fall asleep, it doesn’t really allow you to achieve proper sleep. The reason is that your body will be busy metabolizing the alcohol in your bloodstream while you try to sleep.