Heavy drinking of alcohol may put an older adult, particularly men, at high risk of suffering from sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
The objective of this research work was to determine how alcohol use affects sleep quality among older adults. Researchers studied the alcohol drinking habits and sleep profiles of 6,117 British men and women for a duration of 30 years.
Researchers found out sleep disorders, such as insomnia, occurred at a higher rate among elderly adults, especially men, who regularly drank more than 20 units (168 grams) of alcohol per week. This study recommended that "people in this age group should be discouraged from using alcohol as a sleep aid."