Can't Sleep Without Alcohol? Sober Sleeping Tips!

For people like myself having lived in full-blown alcoholism for years, going to sleep under the influence had become an everyday routine. Trying to fall asleep sober seemed to be an impossible task. It's not uncommon that for weeks and even months after getting sober it can be difficult for some to get a good night's sleep.

In this post, we will explore the link between alcohol and sleep, and discuss some tips for getting a good night's sleep without drinking.

According to a recent study, approximately one-third of adults in the United States say they can't sleep properly.

Sleep Deprivation

Most people have experienced a night of restless sleep or being unable to fall asleep at some point in their lives. While a sleepless night here and there is nothing to worry about, chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines sleep deprivation as not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.

This can lead to many problems, including an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, medical errors, and other mistakes in daily life.

People who are sleep deprived are also more likely to suffer from hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. In short, chronic sleep deprivation can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health.

So why does alcohol seem to help us fall asleep?

It turns out that alcohol has a sedative effect on the brain, which can make us feel drowsy and relaxed. However, this effect is only temporary, and alcohol actually interferes with the sleep cycle, which can lead to poorer sleep quality. In fact, drinking alcohol before bed has been linked with insomnia and other sleep disorders.

So if you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, what can you do?

Here are a few things you can try

Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

One of the best things you can do for your health is to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends.

Doing so helps to regulate your body's natural sleep cycle and can improve the quality of your sleep. It can also help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, as well as make it easier to concentrate and focus during the day.

So if you're looking for a simple but effective way to improve your health, be sure to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

It's important to create a relaxing bedtime routine that you can stick to every night. This will signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Some ideas for a bedtime routine include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or writing in a journal. You should avoid electronic screens for at least an hour before bed, as the blue light can interfere with sleep. Instead, try dimming the lights and doing some gentle stretching exercises.

Once you're in bed, take some deep breaths and focus on relaxing your whole body. By following these simple steps, you can create a calming environment that will help you get a good night's sleep.

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening

Caffeine is a stimulant that can have many effects on the human body, including improved alertness and Focus. However, caffeine can also cause restlessness and insomnia, particularly when consumed in the afternoon or evening.

For people who are sensitive to caffeine, even a small amount can disrupt their sleep patterns. In addition, caffeine has a half-life of five to six hours, which means that it can stay in your system for several hours after you consume it.

As a result, it's best to avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, so you can get a good night's sleep.

Get some exercise during the day, but avoid working out close to bedtime

Getting regular exercise is important for maintaining good health, but timing is key. Working out too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep, and that can have a negative impact on health.

First, exercise raises the body's temperature, and it takes time for the temperature to return to normal. That delay can make it harder to fall asleep.

Second, exercise releases endorphins, which can give people a boost of energy that makes it difficult to wind down at night.

Finally, exercise can keep the mind active and make it hard to relax before bed. For these reasons, it's best to get some exercise during the day, but avoid working out close to bedtime.

With a little effort and trial and error, you should be able to find a sleep routine that works for you.