An NHS doctor has explained why millions of people across the UK may experience more vivid and even bizarre dreams this week. It comes as more and more Brits take up Dry January, a challenge that sees them forego alcohol for 31 days.
Almost nine million people signed up for Dry January in 2023, with a similar number expected to be partaking this year. And while most people know there are vast benefits of going sober for your overall health, it can have a drastic effect on your sleep too.
GP Dr Tim Mercer has hailed Dry January as a “fantastic reset” for people and said that while alcohol can appear to induce sleep, it is actually incredibly disruptive both for your sleep-wake cycle and your stages of sleep. The doctor explained: “By eliminating alcohol, many people notice improvements in sleep quality and deeper rest, however, it’s important to recognise that it won’t fix your sleep immediately.”
The expert, in partnership with Opera Beds, drew out a specific timeline for what effects Brits can expect Dry January to have in the bedroom throughout the month. For those that have been diligent on their sobriety since January 1 may have felt the symptoms of withdrawal over the last week.
Dr Mercer explained the first week of sobriety is an “adjustment phase” that could see you experiencing disrupted sleep as “your body is no longer relying on alcohol’s sedative effect”. He urged people to hold on during these issues as it should subside within a few days and you can try increasing your intake of “magnesium-rich foods, nuts, seeds, and avocados, as well as complex carbs, such as brown rice or oats,” to better manage your cravings and energy levels.
The second week of Dry January starts to properly regulate your sleeping pattern and REM cycle which can give you more dreams as a result. Despite these extra nightly adventures, you’re likely going to wake up more refreshed after a restorative rest.
To reap the most of these benefits, the doctor recommends chowing down on more “foods high in tryptophan, such as turkey, bananas, or pumpkin seeds” to increase melatonin production and herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root. The second week of sobriety is also when people report having clearer skin as toxins are flushed out of their body.
Next week, what the doc dubbed the “optimisation phase” begins which should highlight the top benefits of going alcohol-free like mental clarity, mood improvements, reduced inflammation and stabilised blood sugar. Your cravings will start decreasing around this time and your sleep quality could reach “a new level of deeper, uninterrupted rest”.
Finally, week 4 of the month-long cleanse brings the “reward phase” where many people can list the commonly touted benefits of sobriety like weight loss, emotional control around cravings, and boosted immunity. On a medical front, Dr Mercer noted your liver and blood pressure also reap the rewards of your efforts and your sleep will be “at its best”, giving you long periods of deep REM sleep, likely providing a few more dreams still but leaving you rejuvenated each morning.
Once February hits, there’s also no reason to give up these benefits even when you head back to the pub. The doctor explained: “If you choose to moderate your alcohol consumption going forward, you can maintain these improvements in sleep quality and overall health, making them a sustainable part of your lifestyle.”