For adults, they usually get an average of 7.50 hours of sleep to 8 hours of sleep every single night. If there will be lack of sleep or sleep deprivation, the body will compensate for the lacking hours the following night, however, if there is a disruption or interruption of a person’s sleeping pattern, then there will be an increased risk of the development of various sleep disorders and other health related consequences. One of the most common causes for the disturbance of one’s sleeping pattern is the unhealthy way of alcohol consumption.

Sleep Disorders and Alcohol

There are some people who are suffering from insomnia rely on consuming just enough amounts of alcohol just before going to bed to help them fall asleep. Yes, alcohol can put them to sleep but when a person is depending on drinking alcohol every single night, then the body will get used to it and will not produce drowsiness effects in the long run. Alcohol consumption should be limited and should not be used as a sleeping aid. Alcohol consumption can disrupt a person’s sequence of sleep and duration of sleep, thus altering a person’s total sleep time and a person’s sleep latency (the time needed to fall asleep).

Age-Related Effects of Sleep from Alcohol

There has been only limited researches and studies done on specific effects of alcohol consumption to sleep patterns among various age groups. For infants who were exposed in alcohol when they were still inside their mother’s uterus have been found that infants will most likely exhibit sleep disruptions and increased arousal in the middle of their sleep when compared to infants who were not exposed to any alcohol when they were still inside their mother’s uterus. And for infants who are exposed to alcohol through their mother’s milk are found to fall asleep sooner but will sleep for lesser hours than infants who are not exposed to alcohol.

People who are aging 65 years old and above tend to consume alcohol to promote their sleep, since 65 years old and above often suffers from awakening more than 20 times during the night, leading for a less restorative and restful sleep. Older adults who tend to consume alcohol to promote sleep are not aware that they are more susceptible to alcohol related sleep disturbances. Older adults who also use alcohol to help them go to sleep and prevent numerous awakenings are at risk of nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting.