Alcohol may feel like it helps with sleep, but it disrupts REM sleep and can lead to frequent awakenings.

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New Mexico Highlands University

The immediate administration of alcohol leads to various alterations in consciousness, with effects varying by dosage. Low doses typically produce feelings of euphoria, while higher doses result in sedation. In general, alcohol consumption impairs cognitive and motor functions, leading to slower reaction times, reduced visual acuity, decreased alertness, and a loss of behavioral control. Excessive intake can cause a complete loss of consciousness and memory blackouts, where an individual cannot recall events that happened while intoxicated.

Effects of Acute Alcohol Administration

Healthy sleep can be supported by keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time every day, avoiding stimulating activities and bright device light during the hour before bed, exercising daily, avoiding naps, keeping the bedroom cool between $$60$$ and $$67$$ degrees, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed, and using the bed for sleep rather than studying, eating, or watching television. If sleep does not come easily, leaving the bed until tired again can help reinforce the bed as a cue for sleeping.

How to Get Healthy Sleep

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Effect of Alcohol on Sleep

Based on the provided scenario, analyze the individual's progression of symptoms. Identify at least three distinct effects of alcohol demonstrated in the case study and connect each effect to a specific observation described in the text.

Analyzing Behavioral Changes During Intoxication

Heavy meals before bed may make a person feel sleepy, but they can also cause frequent awakenings because of gastric distress.

Effect of Heavy Meals on Sleep

Based on the provided information, identify two specific behaviors in Alex's routine that are likely contributing to their poor sleep quality and explain why each behavior is detrimental.

Analyzing Poor Sleep Habits

People generally sleep better in cooler environments. It is recommended to keep the bedroom temperature between 60 and 67 degrees to maintain healthy sleep.

Optimal Bedroom Temperature for Sleep

To help maintain healthy sleep, it is recommended to use the bed only for sleeping, rather than for other activities like studying, eating, or watching television. If you cannot fall asleep, leaving the bed and engaging in a different activity until you feel tired again can help train your body to associate the bed exclusively with sleep.

Associating the Bed with Sleep

To maintain healthy sleep, it is recommended to avoid stimulating activities for an hour before bed. This includes avoiding exercise and exposure to bright light from devices during this pre-sleep period.

Avoiding Stimulating Activities Before Bed

Regular sleep means going to bed and waking up at about the same times every day, including weekends, so the biological clock stays in sync and the body develops a nightly sleep habit.

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