The government has today launched a new campaign aimed at highlighting the damaging effect alcohol can have on sleeping habits.
The Department of Health claims drinkers across England are losing valuable sleep and disrupting vital brain functions without knowing that alcohol is the cause.
A new survey found over half of almost 2,000 drinkers surveyed, did not realise that drinking above the recommended daily limits can cause sleep problems, with more men than women unaware of the link.
Commenting on the campaign, public health minister, Gillian Merron said: 'Lots of people don't realise that drinking too much can disrupt your sleep, leave you dehydrated and unable to remember parts of your evening.
'On top of this, drinking too much can affect your longer-term health, putting you at an increased risk of liver disease, stroke and cancer.
'Our Know Your Limits campaign arms people with the facts about how many units are in their favourite drinks, to help them keep a check on how much they drink each day.'
Jessica Alexander, spokesperson for the campaign group Sleep Council added: 'Although many people may feel alcohol helps them get off to sleep, it is also a major culprit for disrupting your night as it can interfere with the body’s chemical processes needed for sound sleep.
'Waking up deprived of the vital sleep your body needs will leave you feeling drained and, if experienced night after night, can seriously affect your health and wellbeing.'
Alcohol disrupts sleep by preventing drinkers from reaching the crucial REM stage, essential for deep sleep, health experts warn.
REM sleep is also believed to be important for the creation of memories, which is one reason why heavy drinkers can sometimes wake up unable to remember parts of their evening.
The Department of Health estimates over ten million adults regularly exceed suggested alcohol limits, increasing their risk of serious illness such as heart and liver disease.
Ms Alexander added: 'If you find yourself drinking above the recommended daily limits most days of the week, your body may be constantly trying to catch up and then it’s likely you’ll never feel fully alert or equipped to deal with the stresses and strains of daily life.'
The Department of Health claims drinkers across England are losing valuable sleep and disrupting vital brain functions without knowing that alcohol is the cause.
A new survey found over half of almost 2,000 drinkers surveyed, did not realise that drinking above the recommended daily limits can cause sleep problems, with more men than women unaware of the link.
Commenting on the campaign, public health minister, Gillian Merron said: 'Lots of people don't realise that drinking too much can disrupt your sleep, leave you dehydrated and unable to remember parts of your evening.
'On top of this, drinking too much can affect your longer-term health, putting you at an increased risk of liver disease, stroke and cancer.
'Our Know Your Limits campaign arms people with the facts about how many units are in their favourite drinks, to help them keep a check on how much they drink each day.'
Jessica Alexander, spokesperson for the campaign group Sleep Council added: 'Although many people may feel alcohol helps them get off to sleep, it is also a major culprit for disrupting your night as it can interfere with the body’s chemical processes needed for sound sleep.
'Waking up deprived of the vital sleep your body needs will leave you feeling drained and, if experienced night after night, can seriously affect your health and wellbeing.'
Alcohol disrupts sleep by preventing drinkers from reaching the crucial REM stage, essential for deep sleep, health experts warn.
REM sleep is also believed to be important for the creation of memories, which is one reason why heavy drinkers can sometimes wake up unable to remember parts of their evening.
The Department of Health estimates over ten million adults regularly exceed suggested alcohol limits, increasing their risk of serious illness such as heart and liver disease.
Ms Alexander added: 'If you find yourself drinking above the recommended daily limits most days of the week, your body may be constantly trying to catch up and then it’s likely you’ll never feel fully alert or equipped to deal with the stresses and strains of daily life.'
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