The Influence of Alcohol on Your Sleep
One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is how they struggle with receiving adequate sleep.
They often feel restless upon awakening and struggle with insomnia, causing them to toss and turn throughout the night.
When cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is not working correctly, individuals can experience a jerking sensation when they begin to fall asleep or wake up during the night, feeling wired and restless.
When alcohol is regularly consumed alongside a poor diet, it can create a cycle of poor sleep, low energy, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods.
It’s a vicious cycle that causes blood sugar spikes and crashes and messes with hormones such as ghrelin (which increases appetite), and leptin (which signals fullness) goes down, making you more likely to overeat.
Furthermore, alcohol suppresses and shortens the REM cycle—the restorative stage of sleep needed for memory and mood, which can contribute to heightened anxiety.
Over time, this cycle can lead to a variety of health issues:
Depletes B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, essential for energy production and metabolism.
It damages the gut lining and kills off beneficial bacteria.
It affects organs such as adrenal glands, which can produce too much or too little of the hormone cortisol.
Alcohol and junk food both trigger the dopamine reward system, giving temporary pleasure but leading to increased cravings when the effect wears off.
Whether you are cutting back or quitting altogether, taking the first step in removing alcohol may feel challenging, especially if it’s been a habit for a while.
You may need to work with a professional if you’re dealing with AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder).
If you need help rebalancing your lifestyle and nutrition, feel free to contact me, and we can discuss how I can assist you.
—jp
Latest from the blog—Why you should take a break from alcohol!
