Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CPSGT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Alcohol consumption commonly affects sleep patterns by increasing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. While alcohol may initially promote sleep onset due to its sedative properties, it can disrupt the normal sleep cycle and lead to a variety of sleep disturbances.

One of the significant effects of alcohol is its impact on the upper airway. It relaxes the muscles in the throat, which can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep. This obstructive sleep apnea can lead to periods of reduced or halted breathing, causing fragmented sleep and reducing overall sleep quality. As a result, individuals might experience more frequent awakenings and excessive daytime sleepiness.

In contrast, alcohol's effects on REM sleep and deep sleep are usually detrimental. It tends to suppress REM sleep in the initial sleep cycles, which can lead to a rebound effect later in the night, potentially leading to more restless sleep. Additionally, while some may believe that alcohol helps with insomnia or promotes deeper sleep, the reality is that it often disrupts the natural sleep architecture, resulting in poorer sleep quality overall.