It’s no secret that alcohol can help you fall asleep. But what you may not know is that it can also lead to poorer sleep quality and an inability to stay asleep.
So, if you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, it might be time to cut back on the booze.
Here’s how alcohol inhibits healthy sleep:
1. It disrupts your sleep cycle.
Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it inhibits deep restful sleep. That’s because it interferes with your body’s natural sleep cycles.
As a result, you’ll likely wake up feeling groggy and exhausted instead of well-rested.
2. It contributes to snoring and sleep apnea.
Drinking alcohol can make snoring worse. And if you already suffer from sleep apnea, alcohol can make it even harder to get a good night’s rest.
3. It causes you to wake up during the night.
Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it also increases the likelihood of waking up during the night. That’s because it causes your body to produce more urine.
As a result, you’ll likely have to wake up to use the restroom more often than usual, which can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired the next day.
4. It dries out your mouth and throat.
Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to a dry mouth and throat. This can make it difficult to breathe, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea.
5. It interferes with your body’s natural sleep cycles.
Alcohol disrupts your body’s natural sleep cycles, which can prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.
6. It makes you more likely to experience nightmares.
Research has found that alcohol is linked to an increased risk of nightmares. So if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it may be best to steer clear of alcohol before bed.
7. It can make snoring worse.
If you already snore, drinking alcohol can make it worse. That’s because alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, which can cause your airway to become blocked.
8. It can make you groggy the next day.
Even if you manage to get a full night’s sleep, drinking alcohol can still make you feel tired the next day. That’s because alcohol prevents you from reaching the deepest stages of sleep, which are necessary for feeling rested and refreshed.
9. It increases your risk of developing insomnia.
Insomnia is a condition that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. And research has shown that drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing this condition.
10. It can lead to other health problems.
Drinking too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your overall health, including your liver, heart, and brain. It can also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
What To Do About Alcohol Abuse
If you think you might have a problem with alcohol abuse, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources available to help you overcome your addiction and get on the road to recovery.
If you are looking for substance abuse treatment in Southern California, treatment programs like Renaissance Recovery or California Detox can help you every step of the way.
If you are looking elsewhere, it is best to know what you should be looking for when seeking out addiction treatment. If you are looking into substance abuse treatment facilities, a few things you want to be aware of include:
The level of care offered: Most importantly, you want to make sure that the facility offers the level of care that you need. This includes detoxification, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment options.
The type of programs offered: The type of program offered can also be important. Some facilities offer 12-step programs while others may use a more holistic approach. It’s important to find a program that you feel comfortable with and that you feel will work best for you.
The length of the program: The length of the program is also something to consider. You want to make sure that the facility offers a program that is long enough for you to fully recover from your addiction.
The easiest way to get information is to make a short list of facilities you want to learn more about and give them a call. You can determine a lot about a facility and the type of treatment you can expect just by talking with a few admissions team members.
The important thing, though, is to not hesitate. Alcoholism is a serious problem and can lead to dangerous consequences. If you believe you or a loved one is struggling, call now.
