Alcohol shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, a review of all known scientific studies on the impact of drinking on nocturnal sleep has revealed.
Alcohol shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, a review of all known scientific studies on the impact of drinking on nocturnal sleep has revealed.
Sleep is supported by natural cycles of activity in the brain and consists of two basic states: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Typically, people begin the sleep cycle with NREM sleep followed by a very short period of REM sleep, then continue with more NREM sleep and more REM sleep, this 90 minute cycle continuing through the night.
The review has clarified that alcohol shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, increases deep sleep, and reduces REM sleep.
“This review confirms that the immediate and short-term impact of alcohol is to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep,” said Irshaad Ebrahim, medical director at The London Sleep Centre as well as corresponding author for the study.
“In addition, the higher the dose, the greater the impact on increasing deep sleep. This effect on the first half of sleep may be partly the reason some people with insomnia use alcohol as a sleep aid. However, the effect of consolidating sleep in the first half of the night is offset by having more disrupted sleep in the second half of the night,” he stated.
The majority of studies, across alcohol dose, age, and gender, confirm an increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS) in the first half of the night. SWS, often referred to as deep sleep, consists of stages 3 and 4 of NREM. During SWS, the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and appears to strengthen the immune system.
Alcohol’s impact on SWS in the first half of the night appears to be more robust than its effect on REM sleep.
“SWS or deep sleep generally promotes rest and restoration. However, when alcohol increases SWS, this may also increase vulnerability to certain sleep problems such as sleepwalking or sleep apnoea in those who are predisposed,” said Ebrahim.
Alcohol’s effects on REM sleep in the first half of sleep appear to be dose related. Low and moderate doses show no clear effects on REM sleep in the first half of the night, whereas at high doses, REM sleep reduction in the first part of sleep is significant. Total night REM sleep percent is decreased in the majority of studies at moderate and high doses.
“Dreams generally occur in the REM stage of sleep. During REM sleep the brain is more active, and may be regarded as ‘defragmenting the drive.’ REM sleep is also important because it can influence memory and serve restorative functions. Conversely, lack of REM sleep can have a detrimental effect on concentration, motor skills, and memory. REM sleep typically accounts for 20 to 25 percent of the sleep period,” said Ebrahim.
The onset of the first REM sleep period is significantly delayed at all doses and appears to be the most recognizable effect of alcohol on REM sleep, followed by a reduction in total night REM sleep.
“One consequence of a delayed onset of the first REM sleep would be less restful sleep,” said Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre.
Both Ebrahim and Idzikowski hope this review will help readers understand that short-term alcohol use only gives the impression of improving sleep, and it should not be used as a sleep aid.
Results will be published in the April 2013 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research and are currently available at Early View.
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