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Sleep & Alcohol

Alcohol profoundly effects Sleep

During the first half of an 8-hour sleep period alcohol...

• Hastens sleep onset
• Reduces amount of REM sleep¹

During the latter half of sleep period after elimination of alcohol...

• REM sleep is increased
• Wakefulness or light sleep is increased

After 3 or 4 Nights of repeated alcohol consumption tolerance develops.

Upon discontinuation of nightly use, REM sleep is increased (Termed REM Rebound).

Recent studies of sleep deprivation demonstrate a Sleepiness-Ethanol Interaction²

• 3 drinks become the functional equivalent of six drinks after 5 nights of partial sleep deprivation.
• Extension of sleep to 10 hours per night reduces the effect of a moderate dose of alcohol.

Specific action of alcohol is probably through the Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) System.

¹Williams H, Salamy A 1972. Alcohol and sleep. In Kissin B, Begleiter H. Eds. The biology of alcoholism, Vol2, pp 435-83. New York: Plenum.

²Roth T, Roehrs T, MerlottiL 1990. Ethanol and daytime sleepiness. Alocohol drugs Driving 6:357-62.