Alcoholism & Sleep

Alcoholism can impact not only sleep but also a person's ability to sleep in a uniform and consistent manner. Alcoholics who stop drinking are more susceptible to returning to that habit as a result of the impact a lack of alcohol has on sleeping patterns.

Significance

• Alcoholism impacts the alcoholic's sleep by allowing the alcohol to act as a stabilizer, thus allowing the person to sleep. When an alcoholic does not drink prior to going to bed or trying to sleep, the craving for alcohol causes sleep disturbances.

Effects

• The primary effect on an alcoholic of not being able to remain asleep is that those trying to stop drinking oftentimes return to the habit to induce better sleep. Alcoholism should thus be treated by a physician to help stave off the negative impacts associated with stopping or reducing alcohol consumption and the effects of the modification on sleep.

Considerations

• Those battling alcoholism should consider taking a sleeping aide to offset the sleep disturbances caused by drinking. Alcoholics can use medication on a regular, temporary or interim basis to induce sleep and help remain asleep. Importance is placed on finding the right prescription sleeping medication that can be used by an alcoholic who continues to drink on a routine basis.