What happens to sleep during alcohol withdrawal according to the identified disorder?

During alcohol withdrawal, individuals often experience severe disruption of sleep patterns, which can include vivid and disturbing dreams. This phenomenon is linked to several physiological and psychological changes that occur as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol, which it has become reliant upon.

When someone regularly consumes alcohol, it can initially function as a sedative, leading to a pattern of sleep disruption that includes altered sleep architecture and decreased REM sleep. Upon withdrawal, the brain undergoes a rebound effect, which can result in the reemergence of REM sleep that is often more intense and associated with vivid dreaming. These dreams can become particularly disturbing, leading to a fragmented sleep experience often characterized by awakenings and a lack of restorative sleep.

In contrast to other options, which suggest improvements in sleep quality or less severe experiences, the reality during withdrawal typically involves acute challenges in both the quantity and quality of sleep, making vivid dreams and overall sleep disruption hallmarks of this stage.