How do caffeine, nicotine and alcohol affect sleep quality?
Lifestyle habits are important factors affecting sleep quality, and the use of caffeine and nicotine are two major culprits that disrupt sleep. They act as stimulants increasing production of hormones to raise blood pressure, speed up the heart rate and stimulate brain-activity. Caffeine comes in many popular forms: coffee, tea, soda pop, chocolates and in many medications. Nicotine has a similar affect on the body as caffeine. Smokers have difficulty falling asleep, and also staying asleep. They tend to wake up at night craving a smoke, so their sleep is often fragmented. Insomnia ranks near the top of smokers’ complaints.
