Sleep problems, which can have significant clinical and economic consequences, are more common among alcoholics than nonalcoholics. Both during the drinking period and during withdrawal, alcoholics often have problems falling asleep and decreased total sleep time.
Other measures of sleep are also disrupted. Even alcoholics who have been abstinent for short periods of time (i.e., several weeks) or for longer periods of time (i.e., several years) may experience persistent sleep disturbances. Researchers also found that alcoholics were more likely to suffer from certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
Conversely, sleep problems may predispose some people to developing alcohol problems. Furthermore, sleep problems may increase the risk of relapse in abstinent alcoholics.
Alcohol Res Health.: Alcohol’s Effects on Sleep in Alcoholics
Found at Alkohol adé (german)
