It is possible to become drunk while you sleep, and while you may laugh it off, it does need medical attention. When you drink alcohol, your heart rate is elevated and your nervous system is more active. While these are normal processes, the effect of alcohol disturbs these functions. This can lead to less restful sleep and serious under-eye circles the next day. The best way to avoid these problems is to avoid drinking alcohol before going to bed.
One of the most important aspects of being drunk while sleeping is your body’s circadian rhythm. When your body is in REM sleep, it is much easier to wake up. This means that drinking alcohol at night may cause you to wake up in an earlier stage of your sleep. Fortunately, the effects of alcohol on your sleep are temporary, and waking up at four or six am is rare. You may even experience more than one episode of drunkenness.
While alcohol isn’t the most dangerous form of intoxication, it can still be dangerous if you don’t get enough sleep. Researchers believe that alcohol reduces the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is an essential part of deep sleep. REM sleep is crucial for memory and concentration. People with insufficient REM sleep have been found to wake up groggy the next morning, and their risk of developing diseases and early death is higher. Insufficient REM sleep can also interfere with your circadian rhythm, which means that you wake up frequently.
