What happens to sleep when alcohol intoxication is followed by withdrawal?

When alcohol intoxication is followed by withdrawal, individuals often experience severe continuity disruptions in their sleep patterns. This is primarily due to alcohol's impact on the central nervous system. Initially, alcohol can induce sleep and prolong certain sleep stages, particularly deep sleep. However, during withdrawal, the body experiences a rebound effect where sleep architecture becomes significantly altered.

This disruption can manifest in several ways, including increased episodes of wakefulness during the night, reduced overall sleep efficiency, and difficulties in both falling asleep and maintaining sleep. The nature of these continuity disruptions can lead to fragmented sleep, characterized by interruptions that prevent restorative sleep, leading to fatigue and other negative consequences. Thus, in the context of withdrawal, sleep becomes less stable and less restful, making the experience distinctly different from a normal sleep cycle.