What is Alcohol Fatigue Syndrome?

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of health issues, such as organ damage, mental health problems and fatigue.

There is a relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome and alcohol, and alcohol can also cause other sleep problems such as sleep apnea and shallow breathing at night which affects the quality of REM sleep. These conditions combined can lead to fatigue which can impact your everyday life.

If you’re experiencing fatigue or other health concerns related to alcohol use, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on managing your condition. Learn more about alcohol fatigue syndrome and how to recover here.

Signs of Alcohol Fatigue Syndrome

There are a number of signs that you are suffering from alcohol fatigue syndrome. From chronic fatigue, regular alcohol abuse, prolonged hangovers and more, alcohol abuse can result in sleep conditions and health problems forming.

The signs and symptoms of fatigue associated with alcohol use or excessive drinking can include:

Chronic fatigue caused by alcohol use can be debilitating and long-lasting. Learn more about chronic fatigue syndrome and alcohol and how they affect one another below.

Relationship Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Alcohol

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex and debilitating medical condition that causes persistent and unexplained fatigue which is not improved by rest. The exact cause of CFS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including genetics, viral infections, and immune system dysfunction.

Chronic fatigue and alcohol are also linked to one another, as alcohol can worsen symptoms of CFS or be an underlying cause of chronic fatigue if it is regularly abused.

Alcohol can have a significant impact on individuals with CFS, as alcohol can exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction for many people. The effects of alcohol on the central nervous system may also be a contributor to poor sleep and feelings of fatigue.

Another link between chronic fatigue and alcohol is that some individuals turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with the physical and emotional challenges of living with CFS. However, using alcohol in this way can be counterproductive and may lead to increased fatigue and alcohol dependence, resulting in alcohol fatigue syndrome.

Can Alcohol Make You Tired?

While alcohol may initially make you feel drowsy and you feel it will help you to sleep, it can instead disrupt your sleep patterns if high quantities of alcohol have been consumed.

Alcohol can affect the quality of sleep that you have and disrupt your REM sleep, making you feel more fatigued than you would after a sober sleep. It can interfere with both the quality and quantity of your sleep, leading to frequent wake ups during the night and a reduction in deep sleep, meaning that alcohol makes you tired.

It’s important to note that while alcohol may initially induce feelings of relaxation and drowsiness, these effects are often followed by more negative consequences, including fatigue and other hangover symptoms. Additionally, excessive or chronic alcohol consumption can lead to long-term health issues, including liver damage, addiction, and an increased risk of certain diseases.

If you’re looking to get a good night’s rest or want to combat fatigue, it is best to limit or avoid alcohol, especially close to bedtime. Prioritising healthy sleep habits, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet can all contribute to better energy levels and overall well-being.

If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption and its effects on your health, consider speaking with a healthcare professional or seeking support for any alcohol-related issues such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Is Extreme Fatigue After Drinking Alcohol Normal?

Many people experience tiredness the day after drinking as a result of disturbed sleep, shallow breathing during the night and restlessness. Even if you feel as though you had a full night’s sleep without disturbance, alcohol causes poor sleep which will make you feel fatigued the next day.

Due to this, fatigue after drinking alcohol is normal, however it is not normal to experience chronic fatigue. If you are showing signs of alcohol addiction and chronic fatigue, it is important to speak to a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible.

If you are in a cycle of fatigue and alcohol abuse, reach out for addiction treatment and medical support. Although it may be normal to feel tired after drinking alcohol, if this is a common occurrence and you are regularly experiencing severe fatigue after alcohol use, this can negatively affect your life and requires medical attention.

How Long Does Post Alcohol Fatigue Last?

Fatigue can last for days after a bad night’s sleep, and if chronic fatigue syndrome and alcohol abuse are experienced, post alcohol fatigue can last for months. CFS and alcohol can have negative effects on your daily life, as chronic fatigue can result in fewer social interactions, general poor wellbeing and impact relationships and work performance.

Whether you are feeling fatigued the day after binge or heavy drinking, this is normal and may last for 1-2 days. However, if alcohol fatigue is present, this can last for significantly longer periods if you struggle with an alcohol addiction and regularly experience disturbed sleep.

If an alcohol fatigue syndrome is present, starting treatment for alcohol addiction is key to recovery. Treat chronic fatigue and addiction to get your life and wellbeing back.

Support Available for Alcohol Addiction

If you want to recover from alcohol fatigue syndrome, treatment for alcohol addiction is the first step in the recovery process. At Step 1 Recovery we can help you overcome alcohol addiction at one of our rehab treatment centres.

Phone today on +44 (0) 800 012 6006 to learn more about our rehab programmes.

We also recommend that you seek medical advice from your local GP if you are showing signs of chronic fatigue syndrome and alcoholism. CFS may be caused by something other than your alcohol use, so seeking professional medical attention is important for your wellbeing.