Which of the following best describes how alcohol affects sleep?

Alcohol significantly impacts sleep patterns and is particularly known for its ability to increase the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When consumed, alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, contributing to airway obstruction during sleep. This resultant blockage can lead to frequent disruptions in breathing, which is a hallmark of OSA. Consequently, individuals who consume alcohol before bed may experience an exacerbation of their sleep apnea, leading to poorer sleep quality and increased arousals throughout the night.

Other effects of alcohol on sleep include its complex relationship with sleep architecture and overall sleep quality. While alcohol may initially help facilitate sleep onset by reducing sleep latency, it does so at the cost of significant disruptions during later sleep stages, notably decreasing REM sleep and potentially affecting deep sleep as well. However, the increase of OSA as a direct effect of alcohol consumption is a critical point, as it introduces serious implications for respiratory health during sleep, which is particularly pertinent for polysomnographic technicians to monitor and address.