Alcohol and sleep apnea: A St. Patrick’s Day report

Alcohol and sleep apnea are known by many medical professional to be connected — but what’s the nature of that relationship? How does drinking alcohol affect your sleep habits? And can the use (or abuse) of alcohol contribute to sleep apnea?

As we prepare to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day holiday — well known, of course, for its emphasis on alcohol and drinking-related revelry — the blog takes a look at how sleep apnea and alcohol are related.

Alcohol and sleep apnea: What’s the connection?

The connection between alcohol and sleep apnea and sleep health in general is so well known that most of the advice you’ll find on healthy sleep best practices includes it. Typically, though, these warnings are limited to a reminder not to drink alcohol before bedtime.

Or, in the plain language of The New York Times Health Guide: “Patients diagnosed with sleep apnea are recommended not to drink alcohol before bedtime.”

“Alcohol use can aggravate sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea,” adds the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; “those with such disorders should be cautious about alcohol use.”

If there’s a common theme in these warnings about alcohol and sleep apnea, it’s this: Enjoy in moderation. Avoid alcohol before bedtime. But rarely do we find clinical advice that explicitly warns against any use of alcohol whatsoever.

Sleep apnea and alcohol: Moderation is key

The idea of moderation is emphasized by reports that the association between alcohol and sleep apnea is at its most negative when it’s associated with when heavy drinking — or, worse, alcoholism.

“Heavy drinkers appear to be at increased risk for OSA, especially if they snore, though even modest amounts of alcohol greatly increase the frequency and severity of apneas… especially in the first hours of sleep when blood alcohol levels are highest,” reports a 2005 study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse.¹

“Sleep problems, which can have significant clinical and economic consequences, are more common among alcoholics than among nonalcoholics,” writes Kirk J. Brower, M.D. in a report published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,² adding that “people with insomnia are more likely to report using alcohol to aid sleep than are people without insomnia.

“The use of alcohol to self-medicate sleep problems is especially common, although not particularly effective, among alcoholics,” Dr. Brower adds.

Trust us, we’re not out to spoil your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But let the reports above — as well as the overwhelming majority of studies — serve as a reminder that the most negative associations between alcohol and sleep apnea are generally a result of over-drinking, and even alcoholism.

Of course, if you suspect you may have problems with alcohol use, it’s best to consult your doctor — particularly if you also have sleep apnea, or think you may have it. Be aware that if you’re not taking steps to treat either condition, sleep apnea and alcohol abuse can be a dangerous combination.