Effects of binge alcohol consumption on sleep and inflammation in healthy volunteers

Abstract

ObjectiveAlcohol is a hypnotic that modifies immune function, specifically the cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2). We evaluated the association between unscheduled napping and acute alcohol-induced augmentation of IFN-γ and IL-2 expression.MethodsIn this prospective, observational pilot study, volunteers completed questionnaires on sleep quality, alcohol use, and hangover characteristics. Actigraph recordings began three nights before and continued for four nights after study initiation. Napping was recorded by actigraphy and self-reporting. A weight-based dose of 100-proof vodka was consumed, and the blood alcohol content (BAC) and phytohemagglutinin-M stimulated cytokine level were measured before and 20 minutes, 2 hours, and 5 hours after binge consumption.ResultsTen healthy volunteers participated (mean age, 34.4 ± 2.3 years; mean body mass index, 23.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2; 60% female). The mean 20-minute BAC was 137.7 ± 40.7 mg/dL. Seven participants took an unscheduled nap. The ex vivo IFN-γ and IL-2 levels significantly increased at all time points after binge consumption in the nappers, but not in the non-nappers.ConclusionAugmented IFN-γ and IL-2 levels are associated with unscheduled napping after binge alcohol consumption. Further studies are needed to clarify the associations among alcohol consumption, sleep disruption, and inflammatory mediators.

Chromatin architecture in addiction circuitry elucidates biological mechanisms underlying cigarette smoking and alcohol use traits

“…For instance, long term synaptic depression ( Figure 2C ) as well as learning and memory ( Figure 2D ) were characteristic of alcohol use traits but not cigarette smoking, highlighting the important role of synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation in the mechanism of alcohol use 44, 45 . We also found GO terms relating to sleep and wake cycle for alcohol use traits, which support a rich body of evidence suggesting that prolonged alcohol use and misuse can cause deleterious effects on sleep quality 46, 47 . Cigarette smoking traits also exhibited distinct associations not observed in alcohol use traits.…”

Sleep Quality in Psoriasis Patients and Its Relations with Possible Affecting Factors

“…[4] On the other hand, although some reports suggest that thyroid disorders can decrease in SQ as lead to OSAHS, some others suggest that there is no direct correlation between the two conditions. [26] Considering the correlations with PSQI values, we found positive but weak correlations between the PSQI scores, and, HT and thyroid diseases, whereas DM showed positive and moderate correlation. Additionally, DM had predictivity on SQ.…”

Sleep after Heavy Alcohol Consumption and Physical Activity Levels during Alcohol Hangover

“…METs represent the energy costs of physical activity [30]. One MET refers to an individual’s resting metabolic rate and can be calculated by dividing the volume of oxygen (VO 2 ) used during the activity by 3.5 (1 MET = 3.5 mL O 2 /kg/min) [21,22]. The outcome intensity levels, categorized by Esliger et al [29], and included in this study were: Sedentary (<1.5, METs), light (1.5–3.99 METs), moderate (4.00–6.99 METs), and vigorous (7+ METs) activity.…”

“…More recently, Wilkinson et al [22] applied actigraphy to a study with ten healthy subjects without sleep disturbances. Subjects continuously wore an actigraph, starting three nights before a day of alcohol consumption until 4 days thereafter.…”