Alcohol's effects on sleep in alcoholics

Sleep problems, which can have significant clinical and economic consequenc es, are more common among alcoholics than among nonalcoholics. During both drinking periods and withdrawal, alcoholics commonly experience problems fa lling asleep and decreased total sleep time. Other measures of sleep are al so disturbed. Even alcoholics who have been abstinent for short periods of time (i.e., several weeks) or extended periods of time (i.e., several years ) may experience persistent sleep abnormalities. Researchers also found tha t alcoholics are more likely to suffer from certain sleep disorders, such a s sleep apnea. Conversely, sleep problems may predispose some people to dev eloping alcohol problems. Furthermore, sleep problems may increase the risk of relapse among abstinent alcoholics.