Drug and Alcohol Related Sleep Disorders

Drug Related Sleep disorders:

Many prescription and nonprescription medications can cause sleep problems. The severity of sleep problems caused by a medication will vary from person to person.

The following are nonprescription medicines which may cause sleep problems:

1. Medications with caffeine which includes brands Anacin, Nodoz and Excedrin as well as cough and cold medications.
2. Pseudoephedrine, including the brand Sudafed.
3. Nicotine, which disturbs the sleep and reduce total sleep time. Smokers report more daytime sleepiness and minor accidents than do nonsmokers, especially in younger age groups.
4. Illegal drugs such as amphetamines, methamphetamines and cocaine

Alcohol related Sleep disorders:

Alcohol may induce sleep as it is considered as a sedative or calming drug. But the quality of sleep is often fragmented during the second half of the sleep period.

Alcohol increases the number of times you awaken in the later half of the night when the alcohol’s relaxing effect goes off. Alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep and prevents you from getting the deep sleep and REM sleep you need.

Alcohol’s sleep-inducing effect may decrease with continued consumption just before bedtime, as its troublesome effects continue or increase. The sleep distraction resulting from alcohol use may lead to daytime weariness and drowsiness.

The elderly are at particular risk for alcohol-related sleep disorders because they achieve higher levels of alcohol in the blood and brain than do younger adults after consuming an equivalent dose.

Alcohol consumption at bedtime among older adults may lead to instability if walking is attempted during the night, with increased risk of falls and injuries.

Insomnia Due to Drug or Substance:

Alcohol and sleeping pills are the most common sedatives that can cause insomnia [Insomnia Symptoms]. At first, they may help you fall asleep sooner. Over time, your body builds up an acceptance to them. When you stop using them, insomnia can result.

Insomnia can be a side effect of many prescription medications. Common cold and allergy medicines can cause insomnia. These medicines contain pseudoephedrine. Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can also cause insomnia.

1. Some individuals are susceptible to certain foods and may be allergic to them. This can result in insomnia and disturbed sleep.
2. Caffeine and amphetamines are the most common stimulants that can cause insomnia.
3. Daytime drowsiness may result from many nights of sleep interruption. It may also occur when you stop using stimulants.
4. Extensive exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals can also produce insomnia.

Facts about the effect of alcohol on sleep:

1. Drinking alcohol before going to bed becomes a daily routine. Alcohol consumption is increased if they don’t get the sleep immediately.
2. For one in ten Americans who are alcohol dependent, a drink before bed can have a serious consequence on their sleep, in most cases creating insomnia rather than eliminating it.
3. A recent study showed that 70 percent of people who are alcohol dependent experience insomnia.
4. About two-thirds of people who undergo treatment for alcohol addiction either considerably reduce their drinking or are able to abstain from its use. Often it’s necessary to correct other problems, such as sleep disorders, that may result in alcohol use to treat the addiction successfully.