Effects of alcohol on polysomnographically recorded sleep in healthy subjects.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized crossover trial in healthy volunteers
PubMed 16930215 · doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00184.x
What was done
Healthy volunteers participated in a single-blind, randomized crossover trial evaluating the effects of two bedtime alcohol doses—targeting blood alcohol levels (BAL) of 0.03% (moderate/social) and 0.10% (high/abuse)—separated by a 1-week washout. Following an alcohol-free baseline night, subjects consumed alcohol for 3 consecutive nights, followed by 2 nights of alcohol discontinuation to monitor withdrawal effects. Sleep was measured continuously across nights using objective polysomnography and subjective questionnaires.
What was found
The abstract reports directional findings without exact numerical values or effect sizes. At 0.03% BAL, no clear objective or subjective sleep changes were observed. At 0.10% BAL, alcohol produced hypnotic-like effects during the first half of the night (shortened sleep latency, fewer awakenings, decreased stage 1 sleep, increased slow-wave sleep, and reduced initial REM density). However, rebound disruption occurred in the second half of the night (increased stage 1 light sleep). Discontinuation after 3 days of 0.10% BAL resulted in increased REM sleep, but no significant withdrawal effects on sleep continuity over the 2 recovery nights.
Why it matters
It demonstrates that high acute doses of alcohol before bed impair sleep architecture within a single night—causing immediate second-half rebound fragmentation—even in healthy individuals over short 3-day exposures.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose the sample size (noting only that it was small) or exact statistical figures and confidence intervals. The trial was single-blind, tested only short-term 3-night exposures in healthy volunteers, and did not examine daytime functioning or long-term chronic drinking patterns.
Cited by
- context Having the last alcoholic drink at least 4 hours before bedtime significantly reduces alcohol's disruptive impact on sleep architecture and quality.