Parminder Singh, former Managing Director at Google and X (formerly Twitter), shared an interesting insight into how alcohol affects sleep. In a post on X, Singh revealed the data his Garmin watch recorded after consuming just one peg of gin and the results of its effects on his sleep. The results were surprising, even for a social drinker like him.
The Surprising Effect Of One Peg Of Gin On Sleep
Singh’s post wasn’t just a casual reflection. He highlighted how a single gin-tonic significantly impacted his sleep quality. “Today my watch informed me that my sleep was ‘non-restorative’,” he shared. This is despite consuming only a small amount of alcohol. The pattern was clear to him. Even a small quantity of alcohol can affect sleep quality, no matter how brief the drinking session is.
Singh, who is usually a social drinker, was taken aback by how alcohol affected his Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. He shared his Garmin watch data to prove his point. The data showed a stark contrast between his sleep patterns on a night with alcohol versus a night without. After just one gin-tonic, his REM sleep lasted only 18 minutes. On a regular day without alcohol, his REM sleep lasted over an hour.
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Crucial Role Of REM Sleep
REM sleep plays a crucial role in processing emotions and consolidating memories. According to Singh, alcohol disrupts this process. He pointed out that while alcohol may help people fall asleep quickly, the quality of sleep becomes compromised. Singh made it clear that his post was about raising awareness, not advocating for complete abstinence from alcohol. He acknowledged that people consume various harmful things, from sugar to carbs, and suggested that drinking alcohol should be an informed choice.
His post generated a lively discussion on social media. Many users shared their experiences with alcohol and sleep. One user commented, “I think quality of sleep is affected by tea/coffee as well, among other things. Alcohol used to put me to sleep like a brick, a rare beer or glass of wine doesn’t make a difference to me.” Another user humorously suggested, “That’s why you should have at least 3 stiff drinks. You’ll hit REM in the first hour. Works for me.” Singh responded with a touch of humour, saying, “Haha! As far as I know, you cannot hit REM in the first 90 minutes. The exception is if you are suffering from narcolepsy!”
Singh’s experience was eye-opening, not only for him but also for many who read his post. His Garmin watch revealed what many might not consider – even light drinking can have a tangible impact on sleep quality.
Cover Image Courtesy: @parrysingh/X (Formerly, Twitter), Canva (Representative Image)
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