February 17, 2022

Alcohol & Sleep

Bulletin Health Topic - 112


Alcohol is a sedative that many people take to enable them to fall asleep quicker. The problem is it has a major impact on the quality of our sleep. Alcohol will make you lose consciousness quicker, but we shouldn’t confuse consciousness with sleep. Losing consciousness from alcohol is like being knocked out. You don't get the restorative nature of sleeping.


There are many physiological affects of consuming alcohol before sleep.

  • resting heart rate goes up
  • compressed heart rate variability
  • respiratory breathing rate increases
  • body temperature increases


For restorative sleep, we need our heart rate and body temperature to decrease.


Alcohol blocks our R.E.M sleep cycle, so you end up with a night of light sleep. This is due to a by-product made from an alcohol called aldehydes.


Aldehydes will block the brains ability to generate R.E.M sleep. We end up waking many times throughout the night, often so brief we don't remember.


Sleep is critical to the function of the brain's waste removal system (Glymphatic system), the deeper the sleep the better. 


It’s when we have disrupted sleep that beta analyoid plaque builds in the brain. This can lead to Alzheimers and premature aging.


A single drink 4- 5hrs before bedtime seems to have minimal effect.


It’s when we have 2-3 drinks close to bedtime things start to decline.

Mediterranean White Bean and Sardine Salad

By Zina Stone • December 11, 2025
Ingredients For The Salad 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed) 2 cans sardines (4.5 oz cans in olive oil, roughly chopped in large chunks) 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) 2 green onions (chopped) 1 to 2 jalapenos (chopped, seeds removed if you don't want the heat) 1 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped) For The Dressing 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 lime (zested and juiced) 1 to 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 teaspoon sumac 1 to 2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes Instructions Step 1 To make the dressing, combine the mustard, lime zest and juice, garlic, sumac, and Aleppo, and a good dash of kosher salt and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk, and while whisking vigorously, drizzle in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, until emulsified. Step 2 In a large bowl, combine the beans, sardines, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and parsley. Toss gently to combine. Step 3 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 239.7kcal | Protein: 22.7g | Fat: 7.8g | Carbohydrates: 20.9g

Freedom Bulletin #308

By Zina Stone • December 9, 2025
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Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack

By Zina Stone • December 4, 2025
Ingredients 2 tbsp honey Juice and zest of 1 lime 1 tbsp olive oil 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cubed 1 garlic clove, minced Salt & pepper, to taste 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional) 1–2 ripe avocados, mashed Juice of ½ lime Salt & pepper, to taste Instructions Step 1 Marinate the chicken In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add in the cubed chicken. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. Step 2 Cook it golden Heat your best skillet for cooking chicken over medium-high. Sear the chicken without stirring for 2–3 minutes, then cook through, about 6–8 minutes total. Temp should hit 165°F. Step 3 Brighten the rice Fluff the warm rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, salt, and cilantro if you like. Keep it fresh, not heavy. Step 4 Smash the avocados In a bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Don’t overdo it you want texture. Think creamy with little bites left in. Step 5 Stack it tall Place a ramekin or ring mold on the plate. Spoon in a layer of rice, then avocado, then the honey lime chicken. Press gently, lift the mold. A little tower of joy. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 420kcal | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 32g