For some folks, the end of the workday is synonymous with an alcoholic beverage of some sort - a glass of wine, a martini, or an ice-cold beer. This can be a great opportunity to socialize at happy hour with friends or co-workers, but it can also be a wonderful way to wind down in the comfort of your own home. Often times, people consume alcohol after work in order to take the edge off and be able to fall asleep easier. The question is - does drinking in the evening really promote healthy sleep patterns?
The key factor in this equation is the amount of alcohol that is consumed. Alcohol is a sedative substance, which is why it is common to feel relaxed or tired when you drink it. If you drink too much, you may fall asleep quickly and easily, but throughout the night your body will be out of whack and won't allow you optimal rest. Not to mention, excess alcohol consumption might lead to the dreaded hangover, which is bound to inhibit productivity the following day.
According to researchers Timothy Roehrs and Thomas Roth from the Research Center for Sleep Problems in Detroit, occasionally consuming alcohol in the evening can aid with the sleep process, but over time and with repetition, a tolerance develops. This means that the positive effects of drinking before bedtime will eventually wear off, and drinking more in order to counter this effect is not the solution.
The Rebound Effect
The initial satisfaction of being able to fall asleep with ease is certainly appealing, but it is important to also be aware of what is known as the "rebound effect". This technical term actually translates logically. Once the effects of alcohol consumption wear off, the body reacts by "rebounding", which can result in damaged and disturbed sleep throughout the night.
On average, people metabolize alcohol at a rate of 0.01 to 0.02 percent per hour. This means that the duration of the alcohol removal from the body's system can vary anywhere from 1 to 5 hours. Some genetic and physical traits such as ethnic background, height, and weight, are contributing factors in determining the actual rate at which an individual processes alcohol.
In order to have your cake and eat it too, or in this case - have a drink and sleep well too - there are certain factors to be aware of. For optimal results, the alcohol you consume should be metabolized before you actually lay your head on the pillow. As previously mentioned, the length of time this process takes is individually based. It is your responsibility to know your body and be able to make the best judgment. Basically, however, you should not be getting hammered and then passing out.
As long as consuming alcohol in the evenings does not negatively affect your quality of sleep, then by all means keep doing what you're doing. However, if you notice that you are excessively tired during the day or simply can't stay asleep throughout the night, perhaps you need to reevaluate your night cap habit.
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