Sleep
It is a myth that alcohol can help sleep. Alcohol aggravates insomnia, restless sleep, frequent awakenings, and night terrors. It exacerbates sleep problems common in seniors.
Although alcohol can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, the person may sleep fitfully, awakening from dreams and returning to sleep with difficulty. With continued consumption just before bedtime, alcohol's sleep-inducing effect may decrease, while its disruptive effects continue or increase. This sleep disruption may lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness.
Older persons are at particular risk of sleep problems. They achieve higher levels of alcohol in the blood and brain than do younger persons after consuming an equivalent dose. Bedtime alcohol consumption among older persons may lead to unsteadiness if walking is attempted during the night. This can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
Alcohol can also cause sleep apnea, a condition in which a person temporarily stops breathing during sleep. Those with alcoholism appear to be at increased risk for sleep apnea, especially if they snore. In addition, moderate to high doses of alcohol consumed in the evening can lead to narrowing of the air passage. This can cause episodes of apnea even in persons who do not otherwise exhibit symptoms. Alcohol's general depressant effects can increase the duration of periods of apnea, worsening any preexisting cases.
For more information, see "Alcohol and Sleep," Alcohol Alert No. 41, July 1998.