Residual Sedating Effects of Ethanol

Abstract

To test for dose and duration effects of residual sedation, ethanol (0.0, 0.5, and 0.9 g/kg) was administered (at 0830, 1030, and 0730 hr, respectively) to 10 healthy, normal-sleeping men, aged 21-35 years. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test was conducted at 0930, 1130, 1330, 1530, 1730, 1930, and 2130 hr, and a divided attention performance assessment was done at 1400, 1600, 1800, and 2000 hr. Breath ethanol concentration for both doses was 0.04% at 1130 hr, 0.01% at 1330 hr, and 0 at 1530 hr. A significant reduction in sleep latency was observed from 0930 to 1530 hr, but not thereafter. Divided attention performance overall was significantly impaired on the 1400-hr test only. These data again showed residual sedation and suggest residual sedation is time limited and not affected in duration or intensity by dose.

Seasonal Variation of Falling Asleep while Driving: An Examination of Fatal Road Accidents

“…Although all intoxicated cases were excluded in this analysis, low and residual alcohol effects could exacerbate the level of sleepiness, as other research shows (Horne et al, 2003;Roehrs et al, 1994). A long and monotonous drive has been repeatedly suggested as one of risk factors for sleeprelated accidents (Horne and Reyner, 1999).…”

Binge drinking and sleep problems among young adults

“…Sleep problems and the misuse of alcohol have numerous negative consequences for society. Several clinical studies find that alcohol consumption prior to sleep is associated with severe daytime sleepiness and diminished reaction time and performance (Roehrs et al, 1994; Walsh et al, 1991; Ohayon et al, 1997). As a result, individuals who consume alcohol to promote sleep are more prone to traffic accidents, as well as to accidents at home and the workplace (Walsh et al, 1991).…”

Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use

“…Impairment in reaction time and performance persist for several hours after blood levels drop to zero (24). People who use alcohol as a sleep aid are more tired and show lower daytime alertness than people who abstain from alcohol at night (19). Alcohol intake prior to sleep is associated with a greater risk of severe daytime sleepiness (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4-3.0) (25).…”

“…Alcohol intake prior to sleep is associated with a greater risk of severe daytime sleepiness (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4-3.0) (25). Thus sleep deprivation with even low-dose alcohol can place an individual at high risk for accidents on the road, at work and at home (19,24,26). As little as one ounce of alcohol in sleep-deprived persons can increase the risk of accidents (16).…”