The Temptation of a Can of Beer: Understanding the Impact of Drinking Before Bed.

On a Friday night, many people indulge in a refreshing beer or a drink before bedtime to unwind and anticipate a peaceful sleep. However, did you know that alcohol can affect not only our health but also our skin? Especially, the habit of drinking alone can pose a risk of alcohol dependence. Let's explore the effects of alcohol on the skin and precautions to take when consuming alcohol.

 

When alcohol is consumed, it reduces the glutathione that protects the skin and evaporates moisture from the body, which can lead to wrinkles. Moreover, alcohol inhibits the anti-diuretic hormone, causing frequent urination and depleting moisture from the body, resulting in dry skin. When the skin lacks moisture, it is more prone to wrinkles. Additionally, frequent drinking accelerates brain aging, and acetaldehyde produced during alcohol breakdown stimulates the hypothalamus, reducing the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can impair brain function.

 

If possible, abstaining from alcohol is the best option, but if you do choose to drink, it's important to consume water alongside alcohol to replenish moisture and maintain appropriate intake levels.

 

In particular, the habit of drinking alone can lead to alcohol dependence. Drinking alone leads to focusing solely on alcohol without a conversational partner, ultimately increasing the likelihood of exceeding the recommended alcohol intake. According to a study by the University of Alaska, the likelihood of alcohol dependence was twice as high when drinking alone. Moreover, a study targeting alcohol dependence patients found that the likelihood of hospitalization for alcohol dependence when drinking alone was 9.07 times higher.

 

Should we completely give up alcohol then? While completely abstaining from alcohol is the ideal solution, it may be challenging in reality. So, what precautions should be taken when drinking? It's essential to drink water along with alcohol. Drinking water replenishes the lost moisture due to alcohol consumption and also helps to induce a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing alcohol intake.

 

Furthermore, many people intend to sleep after drinking. However, alcohol can actually impair the quality of sleep. Although acetaldehyde produced during alcohol breakdown can induce deep sleep by suppressing the central nervous system, it can also cause arousal during sleep or continuous movement during sleep. Additionally, relaxed throat muscles due to alcohol can lead to snoring or sleep apnea.

 

In summary, alcohol can be harmful to skin health, and the habit of drinking alone can lead to alcohol dependence. If possible, abstaining from alcohol is the best option, but if you do choose to drink, it's important to consume water alongside alcohol to replenish moisture and maintain appropriate intake levels. Additionally, it's advisable to consider alternative sleep methods rather than relying on alcohol for sleep before bedtime.