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August 19, 2009
Survey suggests many people may not realize excessive drinking may ruin sleep.
The UK's Telegraph (8/19, Devlin) reports that, according to a survey conducted by polling company YouGov, "many people do not realize that excessive drinking can ruin their sleep, affecting memory and brain function."
In fact, "58 percent...of almost 2,000 people surveyed" had no idea that "drinking above the recommended daily limits could cause sleep problems," even though "45 percent admitted to feeling tired the day after" drinking too much. Research indicates that "alcohol disrupts 'REM' (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, important for the creation of memories." Neuroscientist Dr. Barry Gibb "warned that dehydration caused by drinking can" also "place the brain under stress.
BBC News (8/18) reported that it is generally understood that "alcohol stops the brain from releasing vasopressin, a chemical which tells the kidneys to reabsorb water that would otherwise end up in the bladder. Without this signal, the drinker needs more frequent trips to the toilet."
Related Links:
- Drinking too much 'affects memory and brain function," Kate Devlin, UK Telegraph, August 19, 2009.
- Drinkers 'ignorant of sleep woes'," BBC News, August 18, 2009.
Posted by admin at August 19, 2009 08:39 PM