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  • Writer's pictureTeresa Conrad

Myth: Drinking Helps You Sleep

Alcohol’s depressant effects on the central nervous system lead to drowsiness and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. However, once asleep, alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns so that the quality of sleep - measured by the time spent in REM and non-REM sleep and total time asleep - is reduced. Non-REM deep sleep is considered as regenerative, mainly due to the release of growth hormone, and, although this type of sleep is increased when alcohol is consumed, growth hormone secretion by the pituitary gland is decreased.


Alcohol is known for suppressing immune function, impairing next-day cognitive functioning, and reducing physical performance. Does anyone actually feel good the next day after drinking the night before??


Additionally, a reduction in growth hormone secretion may also have implications for tissue repair, protein synthesis, and subsequent growth.


I'm sorry I personally dislike drinking so much and am shoving this down your throat. LOL Happy Holidays!



Sources: NASM 2019

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