Why does alcohol cause sleeplessness?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 46-year-old male, fit and healthy. I experience issues with stress and anxiety. Do you know which neurotransmitters or receptors are responsible? There is a lot of information on the internet about how alcohol affects sleep, but nothing that goes into this sort of detail.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is affected the most by alcohol. But alcohol affects all other neurotransmitters, which cause depression and anxiety or many other psychiatric illnesses. It would help if you stay away from alcohol at any cost. You must follow the lifestyle below to deal with your stress or anxiety. I suggest you follow the below guidelines.

You should exercise 30 to 45 minutes daily. It will uplift your mood.
You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, sit in one place in a comfortable position, and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to control your thoughts. It will relax you.
You should eat healthy home-cooked food and avoid junk food.
You must drink enough water.
You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family.
It would help if you spent time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
You should take enough eight hours of sleep daily.
It would help if you avoided tobacco or alcohol, or any substance abuse.
Live your life, do not just spend it. Be bold and confident.

If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for four to six weeks, then you need to start medications for a short duration.

I hope that this information will help.

Thank you.