Study Summary
Many people use alcohol to help them fall asleep, but recent research shows that alcohol has complex effects that can harm sleep quality.
What They Did
This review article by He et al., published in Curr Opin Psychol in 2019, examined studies involving adults in the U.S., focusing on groups such as those who misuse alcohol, including people with alcohol use disorder, adolescents, children, veterans, shift workers, and older adults.
What They Found
The researchers found that alcohol disrupts the natural structure of sleep. It is linked to insomnia, shorter total sleep time, and disturbances in the body’s natural sleep-wake patterns. Heavy alcohol use can worsen sleep continuity and delay the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Additionally, alcohol increases breathing-related sleep problems, such as snoring and episodes of low oxygen levels. Evidence also suggests that insomnia and circadian rhythm issues often occur together in individuals who misuse alcohol. The relationship between alcohol use and sleep problems appears to be two-way, meaning each can influence the other. Treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and strategies that adjust sleep timing may help.
Why It Matters
Understanding these effects helps explain why alcohol, while often used to aid sleep, may actually worsen sleep problems over time. Recognising the connection between alcohol and disrupted sleep could improve care for people struggling with both sleep issues and alcohol misuse.
My Clinical Insight
This review highlights the importance of looking beyond temporary sleep relief from alcohol and considering how it affects the entire sleep process. Clinicians should be aware that recommending alcohol for sleep is counterproductive, especially in those who misuse it. Addressing both sleep and alcohol use together may offer better outcomes through tailored therapies such as CBT-I that focus on improving sleep habits without reliance on alcohol.
Until sleep feels natural again, Dr Noaman
Reference:
He et al., ALCOHOL AND SLEEP-RELATED PROBLEMS, Curr Opin Psychol, 2019
