Alcoholism Sleep

Significance

Alcoholism impacts the alcoholic's sleep by allowing the alcohol to act as a stabilizer, thus allowing the person to sleep. When an alcoholic does not drink prior to going to bed or trying to sleep, the craving for alcohol causes sleep disturbances.

Effects

The primary effect on an alcoholic of not being able to remain asleep is that those trying to stop drinking oftentimes return to the habit to induce better sleep. Alcoholism should thus be treated by a physician to help stave off the negative impacts associated with stopping or reducing alcohol consumption and the effects of the modification on sleep.

Considerations

Those battling alcoholism should consider taking a sleeping aide to offset the sleep disturbances caused by drinking. Alcoholics can use medication on a regular, temporary or interim basis to induce sleep and help remain asleep. Importance is placed on finding the right prescription sleeping medication that can be used by an alcoholic who continues to drink on a routine basis.