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.

Chicken and Greens StirFry

By Zina Stone • January 22, 2026
Ingredients 400g organic free-range chicken thigh fillets, chopped into large pieces 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional) 1 cup green beans, trimmed 1 cup broccolini, chopped 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup snap peas ½ cup shelled edamame beans (fresh or frozen) 1–2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce Cracked black pepper, to taste Optional: squeeze of lemon or lime juice Wild Rice & Quinoa Base ½ cup wild rice½ cup quinoaWater as per packet instructions Pinch of salt2 tbsp hemp seeds (to finish) To Serve (optional) Sliced spring onion Sesame seedsExtra cracked pepper Instructions Step 1 - Cook the wild rice & quinoa Rinse both grains well. Cook separately or together according to packet instructions (wild rice takes longer). Once cooked, fluff and combine. Season lightly with salt and set aside. Step 2 - Cook the chicken Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning until lightly golden and mostly cooked through. Step 3 - Add aromatics Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Step 4 - Add the greens Add green beans, broccolini, broccoli, snap peas and edamame. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and bright green. Step 5 - Season Add tamari or soy sauce and cracked black pepper. Toss well to coat. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime if desired. Step 6 - Assemb le the bowls Spoon wild rice & quinoa into bowls. Top with chicken and greens. Sprinkle with hemp seeds, spring onion and sesame seeds if using. Nutrition and Cooking Times Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 - 30 minutes Serves: 2 adult servings Nutrient Value: Calories: 680cal | Protein: 43g | Fat: 24g | Carbohydrates: 48g

Training Technique - Nautilus Machine Workout

By Zina Stone • January 22, 2026
Lower Body Push & Pull Workout

Freedom Bulletin 314

By Zina Stone • January 22, 2026
In this bulletin we discuss Fibres role in lowering LDL cholesterol. . .