Many of us have experienced the effects of alcohol and coffee first-hand, but did you know that these two substances can also have a huge impact on your sleep quality? If you’re curious about how alcohol and caffeine affect your sleep, then keep reading to find out!
The Effects of Alcohol on Sleep Quality
Most people know that drinking alcohol can make you feel sleepy, but few realize that it can actually disrupt important stages of the sleeping cycle. When a person drinks, it acts as a sedative that can reduce REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This means that after having a few drinks, you may feel like you fell asleep quickly, but your body won’t get the restorative benefits associated with deep sleep.
Additionally, drinking too much before bedtime can cause dehydration which can also lead to poor sleep quality. Dehydration is not only uncomfortable and unpleasant; it can trigger frequent trips to the bathroom during the night which will inevitably disturb your restful slumber. So if you plan on enjoying an alcoholic beverage or two before bedtime, make sure to drink plenty of water beforehand!
The Effects of Caffeine on Sleep Quality
Caffeine is known for providing an energy boost when consumed in moderation—but consuming too much caffeine close to bedtime has been linked to poor sleep quality. This is because caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain which delays melatonin production which is responsible for inducing drowsiness. As such, even moderate amounts of caffeine consumed late at night can make it difficult for people to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. To avoid this problem, try avoiding all caffeinated beverages after 3PM so that your body has time to wind down before hitting the hay.
Now that we have gone over how alcohol and caffeine affects our sleep quality, it’s safe to say that these two substances should be consumed in moderation—especially close to bedtime! Keeping track of how much alcohol and caffeine you consume each day will help ensure that you get a good night’s rest every night! After all, getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for both physical health as well as mental wellbeing! So next time you reach for an alcoholic beverage or cup of coffee late at night, remember these tips and consider choosing healthier alternatives instead. Happy sleeping!
Northeast Missouri Health Council, Partners for a lifetime of health
Medical, Dental, and Behavioral Clinics in Kirksville, Missouri, Macon, Missouri, Milan, Missouri, and Kahoka, Missouri. Visit our website to find the nearest clinic to you. www.nemohealthcouncil.com