ABC of sleep disorders. Recreational drugs and sleep.

Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can all alter sleep, both separately and in combination Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine are all powerful drugs that are commonly used during recreation. They all alter sleep (either initiation or maintenance), and in combination their effects can differ from their individual actions. Anyone who complains of poor sleep, therefore, should be asked how much ofthese drugs they consume. In many cases such people may have other causes for their insomnia -for example, anxiety or depression.