Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Effects of a Moderate Evening Alcohol Dose. I: Sleepiness
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (OnlineEarly Articles). 5 June 2007



Few studies examining alcohol's effects consider prior sleep/wake history and circadian timing. We examined introspective and physiological sleepiness on nights with and without moderate alcohol consumption in well-rested young adults at a known circadian phase.

All sleepiness and sedation measures increased with time awake. Only SSS and BAES sedation measures showed higher levels of sleepiness and sedation after alcohol compared with placebo. The mean circadian phase was the same for assessments at both conditions.

Alcohol did not increase physiological sleepiness compared with placebo nor was residual sedation evident under these conditions.

We conclude that the effects on sleepiness of a moderate dose of alcohol are masked when sleep–wake homeostatic and circadian timing influences promote high levels of sleepiness.

Read Full Abstract

Reprint Request E-mail: tracy.rupp@amedd.army.mil

_______________________________________________________________

at