Sleep Foundation

Alcohol

Alcohol can have a significant impact on the quality and quantity of sleep. The amount of alcohol required to disrupt sleep will vary for different people, however small amounts of alcohol can be detrimental to many.

Some people may find that alcohol helps get them to sleep, however this does not necessarily mean the sleep will be refreshing. Alcohol causes a stress response and activation of the body’s fight and flight nervous system, preventing deep and refreshing sleep. Alcohol can also cause earlier waking than is ideal, even if a person is still tired.

• Have at least some alcohol-free days in the week,
• Reduce the amount of alcohol consumed. For some people even a single alcoholic drink can adversely affect sleep.