3 Reasons Why Quitting Alcohol Can Improve Your Sleep
Are those sleepless nights and grumpy mornings getting on your nerves? Well, you're not alone! But guess what? There's a simple change you can make to your routine that might just transform your sleep game. Say goodbye to alcohol! It's not just about waking up with more energy; it's also about getting some serious shut-eye. In this blog post, we're going to chat about the positive and negative effects that alcohol has on your sleep and reasons why reducing your alcohol intake can supercharge your snooze.
1. Reduced Disruption of Sleep Patterns:
Alcohol is notorious for its ability to disrupt your sleep cycles. While it might help you fall asleep initially, it can wreak havoc on the overall quality of your slumber. When you consume alcohol, your body experiences fragmented and poor-quality sleep, leaving you feeling far from rested the next day. It's well-documented that alcohol has a complex impact on the sleep cycle, and this phenomenon can be explained as follows:
- Initial Sleepiness: When you consume alcohol, it can have a sedative effect, making you feel drowsy and helping you fall asleep more quickly. This initial sleepiness is due to the depressant properties of alcohol on the central nervous system. It can cause you to doze off faster than if you had not consumed alcohol.
- Disruption of Sleep Cycles: However, as the night progresses, the sedative effects of alcohol wear off, and the disruption of sleep cycles begins. Sleep is divided into several cycles, including rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM stages. These cycles are essential for restorative sleep. Alcohol can interfere with the progression of these cycles. It tends to suppress REM sleep early in the night, leading to a rebound effect later on. This can result in more vivid and disturbing dreams in the latter part of the night, reducing overall sleep quality.
- Fragmented Sleep: Alcohol can cause sleep to be fragmented, meaning that you are more likely to wake up during the night. This fragmentation can be due to the diuretic effect of alcohol, which increases urine production and may cause you to wake up to use the bathroom. Additionally, as the sedative effects of alcohol wear off, you may become more alert, leading to more restlessness.
- Poor-Quality Sleep: The sleep experienced after consuming alcohol is often of lower quality. It's shallower, less restorative, and lacks the natural progression of sleep stages. This results in an overall reduction in sleep quality.
- Next-Day Effects: Because of the disruption in sleep cycles and the lower quality of sleep, you may often wake up feeling less rested and more tired. They may also experience hangover effects, including headache, dehydration, and fatigue, which further contribute to a sense of grogginess and reduced cognitive functioning the next day.
2. Enhanced REM Sleep:
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is a crucial stage of the sleep cycle associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration. REM sleep is vital for mental alertness, memory consolidation, and regulating your mood but unfortunately, alcohol can disrupt your ability to spend sufficient time in this essential sleep phase.
When you abstain from alcohol, your body can allocate more time to this stage of sleep. This means you're not only more likely to wake up with a clear head but also in a better mood, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Enhanced REM sleep can significantly improve your cognitive functioning, making you more productive and sharp during your waking hours.
3. Improved Sleep Efficiency:
Do you often find yourself lying awake for what feels like hours? Alcohol can increase the time it takes to fall asleep and reduce your overall sleep efficiency. This inefficiency can lead to frustrating bouts of insomnia, leaving you fatigued and unfocused during the day.
By choosing to abstain from alcohol, falling asleep becomes quicker and easier, and you may experience deeper, more restorative sleep. As a result, you'll wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.
It's important to note that the exact improvements in sleep can vary from person to person, and they depend on the individual's previous alcohol consumption habits, overall health, and various other factors. If someone is struggling with sleep disturbances due to alcohol use, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and support in reducing alcohol intake and improving sleep quality.
So, the results are in: whether you’re having a glass of wine during the day or finishing of a bottle at dinner with friends, that glass of alcohol can seriously disturb your sleep game. When you kick that disruptive drink to the curb, you're in for some relaxing benefits. Think uninterrupted, quality sleep that boosts your REM sleep and revs up your sleep efficiency. You'll wake up with more energy and a brighter mood, making it a breeze to tackle the day with all the enthusiasm and productivity you can muster. Here's to a better sleep and a better you!
CAROUSE and Sleep:
And Finally, did you know that DRIFT from the CAROUSE range includes ingredients like Ashwagandha and Goji Berry, two natural ingredients known for their potential benefits to sleep. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, has been recognised for its stress-reducing and calming effects, which can aid in relaxation before bedtime. On the other hand, Goji Berry is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, promoting overall well-being. These ingredients, thoughtfully combined in DRIFT, offer a soothing and calming experience that can help improve sleep quality. So, when looking for a wholesome nightcap option, consider making the switch to DRIFT to unwind and enjoy a peaceful night's rest, all without the influence of alcohol.
If you want to experience DRIFT for that peaceful nights sleep, we have the cocktail recipe for you. Introducing the TikTok Sleepy Girl Cocktail our take on the trend that is taking TikTok by storm! If you want the recipe and to find out why this drink can help you sleep better, follow the link below
If you're on a journey to better sleep and a healthier lifestyle, consider making the choice to #DrinkToRemember. Abstaining from alcohol might just be the key to unlocking the restorative, refreshing sleep you've been craving.