Alcohol Dependence and Its Relationship With Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders

Abstract

Sleep-related complaints are widely prevalent in those with alcohol dependence (AD). AD is associated not only with insomnia, but also with multiple sleep-related disorders as a growing body of literature has demonstrated. This article will review the various aspects of insomnia associated with AD. In addition, the association of AD with other sleep-related disorders will be briefly reviewed. The association of AD with insomnia is bidirectional in nature. The etiopathogenesis of insomnia has demonstrated multiple associations and is an active focus of research. Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is showing promise as an optimal intervention. In addition, AD may be associated with circadian abnormalities, short sleep duration, obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep-related movement disorder. The burgeoning knowledge on insomnia associated with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder has expanded our understanding of its underlying neurobiology, clinical features, and treatment options.

Insomnia treatment in the context of alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…For example, participants in these studies were not necessarily seeking or engaged in treatment for alcohol use, and they varied in rates of abstinence at baseline. Rates of alcohol relapse may be higher among those in earlier recovery (2 to 4 weeks after detoxification), which is a time of prevalent sleep disturbance (Chakravorty, Chaudhary, et al, 2016). As such, findings may not generalize to those in earlier recovery or those actively seeking treatment.…”

“…Recent reviews have summarized the clinical manifestations, etiology, assessment, and treatment of insomnia in the context of AUD (Brooks and Wallen, 2014; Brower, 2015; Chakravorty, Chaudhary, et al, 2016). However, none have quantified the impact of various insomnia treatments on sleep- and alcohol-related outcomes.…”

Studies using macaque monkeys to address excessive alcohol drinking and stress interactions

“…Alcohol’s effect on another oscillatory region, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus has also been studied in this monkey model (Breckinridge Carden et al, 2006). The LGN regulates sleep/wake cycles, arguably one of the most critical daily rhythms that is disrupted in subjects with AUDs (see Chakravorty et al, 2016 for review). Burst firing within the LGN was significantly dampened following long-term alcohol consumption in cynomolgus males (Breckinridge Carden et al, 2006), providing a possible cellular basis for understanding, and treating, alcohol induced sleep disruption.…”

Reduced resting‐state functional connectivity and sleep impairment in abstinent male alcohol‐dependent patients

“…Taken together, alcohol dependence is associated with significant sleep disturbances (Chakravorty, Chaudhary, & Brower, ), which are often accompanied by abnormal thalamus dysfunction (Li et al, ). The thalamus plays an essential role in the dorsal relay of the brainstem reticular activating system, controlling cortical activation that occurs during wakefulness and REM sleep (Thakkar, Sharma, & Sahota, ).…”