The Various Health Issues Affecting Men's Sleep

By Shironosov

One of the most common complaints I hear from restaurant professionals, especially men, is that they struggle to receive adequate sleep.

They often feel restless upon awakening and struggle with insomnia, causing them to toss and turn throughout the night.

“For optimal health, adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep, as recommended by the Sleep Research Society and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.”

Unfortunately, that is not always the case, especially when high stress levels are caused by working in the restaurant industry, which can impair the hormone cortisol's function.

When cortisol, the stress hormone, is not working correctly, men may experience a jerking sensation as they begin to fall asleep or wake up during the night, feeling wired and restless.

Men who work in the industry often regularly consume alcohol, which can create a cycle of poor sleep, low energy, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods.

According to a study by Science Direct, research in animals and humans shows that overconsuming highly palatable foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt, can lead to addiction-like behaviours such as bingeing, cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal.

These effects are driven by changes in the brain’s dopamine system, which can make it easier to fall into compulsive eating patterns.

It’s a vicious cycle that causes blood sugar spikes and crashes and messes with hormones such as ghrelin (which increases appetite) and leptin (which signals fullness).

Furthermore, alcohol suppresses and shortens the REM cycle—the restorative stage of sleep needed for memory and mood, which can contribute to heightened anxiety.

As this cycle continues, it can lead to various health challenges:

• Depletes B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, essential for energy production and metabolism.

• Can lead to burnout, low motivation, irritability, and even symptoms of anxiety or depression.

• It affects organs such as the adrenal glands, which can produce too much or too little cortisol, and the cardiovascular system, causing strokes and heart attacks.

• Alcohol and junk food both trigger the dopamine reward system, giving temporary pleasure but leading to increased cravings when the effect wears off.

• Muscles do not recover properly, the brain fails to clear out fatigue, and both mood and focus begin to decline.

Working in the restaurant industry can be challenging, especially as a man who often doesn’t feel supported or is surrounded by a network that leans heavily on alcohol as a way to cope.

Over time, that environment can normalize habits that slowly chip away at your energy, focus, and long-term health.

For many men, it can be uncomfortable to step out of familiar circumstances. Still, the reality is that discipline requires change, self-awareness and reflection on how alcohol is really affecting you when it comes to your daily routine and sleep.

Download my latest PDF, Sleep Tracker Checklist.

If you are struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), consider working with a professional. Learn more at alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov.

Updated: March 2026 — This article has been expanded with new research and insights.