Alcohol and REM sleep
The use of alcohol disrupts both REM and slow-wave sleep, both vital in the restoration and rebuilding of the mind and the body. Alcohol affects the neurotransmitters that regulate these two phases of sleep as well as the onset of sleep. Several negative effects of alcohol use are listed on the About Alcoholism site and include:
- Disturbed sleep
- Fetal alcohol Syndrome
- Respiratory depression and death
Alcohol and Sleeping Pills
If you are suffering from sleep disorders or other sleep problems, your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills. Remember: Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol is dangerous and could even be fatal. The same holds true for many medications.
If you do enjoy a drink now and then, these suggestions could be helpful:.
- Don't drink to excess.
- Don't drink after dinner, and preferably for several hours before sleeping.
- Never use alcohol as a sleep aid. It only aggravates your problems.
- Never mix alcohol with other medications, especially sleeping pills.
How about a nightcap?
No thanks. I'm sleeping.
