I went on a drinking binge last week and ever since then, I can’t seem to sleep more than six hours a night. I’ll wake up right at the 6-hour mark and can’t get back to sleep. I used to be able to sleep 8 hours easily, even when I drank a lot in the past. I’m not sure what’s going on now. Any ideas or advice?
I’ve had the same issue, especially as I’ve gotten older. It took me years to figure it out, and it’s actually why I don’t drink anymore. I wasn’t a daily drinker, but I would binge drink on weekends, and now even just a few drinks messes with my sleep for a week or more. Apparently, alcohol trains your brain to boost excitatory chemicals to balance out the depressant effects, and after years of this, it reacts much quicker and stronger.
@Eren
I can totally relate… Once I hit 40, even just two drinks could give me insomnia for a couple of days. It’s just not worth it anymore.
Micah said:
@Eren
I can totally relate… Once I hit 40, even just two drinks could give me insomnia for a couple of days. It’s just not worth it anymore.
Yeah, same here. I quit drinking altogether after that. Now, I can’t even have a regular drink without my tolerance being too low.
@Vic
At least non-alcoholic beer has gotten much better these days…
Micah said:
@Vic
At least non-alcoholic beer has gotten much better these days…
Definitely. I picked a great time to quit drinking. Non-alcoholic options have improved so much!
@Eren
It could also be linked to how alcohol affects your mood as you get older. I’ve noticed my mental state changes more after drinking now.
@Eren
Yeah, I guess I am getting older. It’s been about 10 years since I last drank regularly. I don’t drink often, but when I do, I drink a lot. I’ll definitely quit now—it’s just not worth it.
Alcohol is well-known for messing with your sleep cycle. Honestly, the best thing you can do is cut down on drinking and try to improve your sleep habits.
Alcohol raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with your sleep. After about five or six hours, your cortisol spikes and you’ll wake up. I’m not sure why it’s been going on for a week, but maybe you’re under stress or dealing with something else that’s increasing your stress levels.
@Wade
That actually makes sense because I’m in a pretty rough spot right now. How long should I wait before seeing a doctor? I’m an athlete and it’s really affecting my performance.
Monty said:
@Wade
That actually makes sense because I’m in a pretty rough spot right now. How long should I wait before seeing a doctor? I’m an athlete and it’s really affecting my performance.
I’d suggest cutting out alcohol for a while and sticking to a regular sleep schedule for a couple of weeks. Try going to bed at the same time every night, get plenty of natural light in the morning, and keep your lights dim in the evening before bed. Avoid naps until your sleep is back on track. If things don’t improve after that, you should definitely see a doctor.
@Wade
I don’t want to downplay your sleep issues because I know it’s a struggle, but medical help is usually for people who have trouble getting six hours of sleep a couple of days a week. You can try some sleep techniques, like cognitive shuffle or meditation. Also, make your bedroom a place for sleep only—don’t hang out in it unless you’re about to sleep. That might help train your brain to associate your room with rest.
Honestly, it’s just a sign that your body can’t handle it like it used to. Maybe it’s time to stop drinking so much.
Here’s what’s worked for me to improve my sleep and manage insomnia: Reishi mushroom extract (10:1) by Hyperion Herbs—this helped with my anxiety and gave me deeper sleep. Also, magnesium glycinate from Bulk Supplements—huge improvement in my anxiety and sleep quality. Valerian root is another one that works for me, though it can leave me groggy the next day. Finally, I use a CBD+CBN deep sleep tincture—it really helps me sleep soundly through the night. I don’t wake up until morning, and I feel rested.
@Payton
I’ll take a screenshot of your advice. Thanks so much for the help!
For me, alcohol acts as a stimulant. Even when I’m exhausted, if I drink too much, I stay awake all night.
Get up, move around, and then go back to bed. It could help.
@Ty
I used to drink a lot, but I had been sober for a few months—until last week.
I can’t sleep either.