Some people think that alcohol is a stimulant. It gives them energy and makes them the life of the party!
Others think alcohol helps them sleep. Some even struggle to fall asleep without it.
So which is it?
It’s both! But also neither.
Alcohol is a sedative.
At first, it sedates your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that sometimes “thinks too much” and gives you inhibitions, making you more social.
But give it a bit more time, and…
The sedation will spread to the rest of the brain, progressively making you feel more and more sluggish.
But wait before you grab that beer to help you get your Zs tonight. Because alcohol doesn’t help you get natural, restorative sleep…
It actually has several very detrimental effects.
- On alcohol, your brain isn’t asleep, it’s lightly anesthetized. Have you ever woken up feeling refreshed from an anesthesia?
- Alcohol fragments sleep. Whether you are aware of it or not, you will wake up several times during the night.
- Alcohol prevents REM sleep, the dreaming state, and its many vital properties.
So how to prevent alcohol from disrupting your sleep?
Drink in the morning! 🎉
No but seriously, if you are trying to improve your sleep, I urge you to avoid alcohol, at least in the evening.
Your sleep quality will improve drastically.
I hope this was instructive :)
If you need help to improve your sleep, reduce your anxiety and increase your mobility, please send me a message!
