The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep Patterns and REM Sleep Reduction

Alcohol's Effect on Sleep Stages

Alcohol can have a significant impact on sleep and sleeping patterns. Under the influence of alcohol, the quantity of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep decreases, while Stage 4 sleep increases. This creates the impression that one has slept more soundly under the influence of alcohol.

Disruption of Natural Sleep Patterns in Chronic Alcoholics

Excessive use of alcohol disrupts the natural pattern of sleep, leading to long-term consequences. Chronic alcoholics, even after having completely abstained for extended periods, have been shown to exhibit abnormal sleep patterns.

REM Sleep Reduction and Potential Brain Damage

It has been speculated that the disruption of sleep patterns—particularly the reduction of REM sleep, which is often associated with dreaming—due to alcoholism results in irreversible brain damage.