While some research suggests drinking alcohol improves health, an abundance of evidence indicates that drinking alcohol also harms health. Particularly, higher alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of many cancers. Some of the deleterious effects of drinking may be due to alcohol's effects on sleep. Although alcohol may help us feel calm and ready to sleep, it has surprising effects on REM sleep and maybe our waking behaviors too. In this Aliquot, Dr. Matthew Walker, Tim Ferriss, and I discuss some of the risks and surprising effects of alcohol on human health and behavior.
Aliquot episodes make great companion listening for a long drive. You can find these special members-only episodes alongside live recorded Q&As on The Aliquot, our official premium FoundMyFitness podcast.
While some research suggests drinking alcohol improves health, an abundance of evidence indicates that drinking alcohol also harms health. Particularly, higher alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of many cancers. Some of the deleterious effects of drinking may be due to alcohol's effects on sleep. Although alcohol may help us feel calm and ready to sleep, it has surprising effects on REM sleep and maybe our waking behaviors too. In this Aliquot, Dr. Matthew Walker, Tim Ferriss, and I discuss some of the risks and surprising effects of alcohol on human health and behavior.
Introduction
Multiple drinks per day increases the risk of many cancers (Member Q&A segments)
Moderate alcohol consumption reduces cognitive impairment risk, heavy drinking increases it
Mild alcohol intake increases the likelihood of living to 90 and improves insulin sensitivity
Alcohol dampens autoimmunity, but increases infection risk
Take-home messages about breast cancer
Alcohol and four other factors that reduce sleep quality (Matthew Walker segments)
Alcohol is a sedative, but reduces sleep continuity and suppresses REM sleep
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