It’s funny how life tests you right after you promise to do better.
Not long after I admitted to faltering in my Dry January challenge, work hit me like a tidal wave. I was swamped with tasks coming from all directions. Each one demanded my full attention, and they were all so different: writing, editing, attending meetings, one-on-ones, and presentations. It felt like a circus, and I had to stay sharp to keep up.
With all this chaos, I only snagged a quick 20-minute lunch after 2 PM. It would have been the perfect day to unwind with a drink after work. Like many, I believed that a nightcap would help me relax and wash away the stress. Not to mention, it gave me a chance to indulge in some snacks, whether it was chips, nuts, or a bit of chocolate.
But here I was, in the midst of Dry January, with no alcohol in sight. And guess what? The rest of the week turned out to be just as hectic. I honestly doubted I could handle the workload without a drink. Surprisingly, I made it through, and I even felt pretty good about it. What helped? The quality of my sleep improved remarkably. Instead of tossing and turning, I enjoyed deeper, more restful sleep. I started waking up from vivid dreams, and it felt great.
It turns out my experience isn’t unique. In a podcast with the American Psychological Association, Dr. Richard de Visser noted that about 70% of participants in Dry January report better sleep and concentration. A study from 2013 on PubMed explains why. Alcohol disrupts sleep, causing lighter sleep at night and reducing REM cycles.
Understanding this made sense. Good sleep is vital to mental health, and I felt the difference. I woke up feeling refreshed, not dreading the day ahead. In fact, I often found myself excited to take on whatever came my way.
Dr. de Visser emphasized that those who abstain from alcohol often feel sharper and more energetic. That was true for me, too. Despite my busy week, I woke up early on Saturday, energized enough to hit the gym. I thought, “Who is this person?”
Moreover, an article from Oxford Academic reported that those who try to cut out alcohol in January often engage in more physical activity and try to improve their diets. I haven’t focused on my diet, but without drinking, I found myself snacking less. This likely helped my sleep even more, as I avoided those unhealthy snacks.
As for exercise, I’ve not only gone to the gym more often since starting this journey but I’ve also improved my endurance on the treadmill. However, I still feel tempted to reach for a drink, especially with the chilly weather, perfect for a glass of red wine. But with my newfound sleep quality, it’s tough to argue against staying sober.
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Sleep, Dry January, Alcohol
