SLEEP IN A BOTTLE?
Laurie Vork, FNLP
LifeWave Director | Thyroid & Wellness Counselor | Reverse Aging |
Are you someone using alcohol for better sleep? What if it's really keeping you from restful sleep?
Alcohol is the most common sleep aid in the world. It may help you fall asleep, but it may wake you up 2-3 hours later. Even moderate drinking interferes with sleep by preventing deeper, refreshing phases of sleep.
As with any drug, tolerance frequently develops. You may need more & more to attain the desired effect.
Did you know that a primary function of sleep is to regenerate & cleanse the brain from the day's activities? You store memories and reclassify daily events as you sleep. Think of it like a computer reboot.
To maximize brain rejuvenation, all stages of sleep are necessary: 1, 2, 3, 4 & REM. Each cycle takes about 18-20 minutes. Brain repair requires each cycle of sleep. If you’re waking every few hours, how will your body ever achieve REM sleep? Memories are stored during REM sleep. If you’re having trouble remembering, perhaps more REM sleep is in order. Put the glass down.
Alcohol is also a diuretic which can cause you to lose sleep because of using the loo throughout the night. It also raises cortisol putting you in a fight, flight or freeze state that disrupts sleep. Perhaps you’re experiencing symptoms like foggy thinking, poor recall, diabetes, and hormone imbalances because of poor sleep.
It’s possible to enjoy a drink with dinner, but refrain from drinking 3 hours before bed. This allows your body time to metabolize alcohol before bed.
If you’re relying on alcohol to help you sleep, maybe there’s an unresolved root cause. Are you drinking to numb stress, escape unhappiness or to avoid emotional upsets?
Is alcohol a factor in restless sleep for you? What do you notice?
Action Step - Stop drinking alcohol 3 hours before bed
This content is not medical advice. It’s intended for educational purposes. Everyone is unique. If you have questions about whether this is right for you, consult your healthcare team. If you would like help implementing strategies or taking a deeper dive please contact me.