Alterations in circadian rhythms following alcohol use: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#alcohol-drinking #alcoholism #body-temperature #circadian-rhythm #dose-response-relationship-drug

Alterations in circadian rhythms following alcohol use: A systematic review

Meyrel et al., 2020 | Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry | Systematic Review

Citation

Meyrel Manon, Rolland Benjamin, Geoffroy Pierre A. Alterations in circadian rhythms following alcohol use: A systematic review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2020-Apr-20;99:109831. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109831

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggest a bidirectional link between disrupted circadian rhythms and alcohol use disorders (AUD). A better understanding of these alcohol-induced changes in circadian rhythms will likely provide important therapeutic solutions. We conducted a systematic review based on the PubMed database examining biological rhythms in all stages of alcohol use: acute alcohol consumption, AUD, alcohol withdrawal, and abstinence. Different changes in circadian rhythms have been observed after a single acute alcohol intake, but also during AUD and alcohol withdrawal. Following a single acute alcohol intake, changes in biological rhythms are dose-dependent, reflected in the melatonin and cortisol secretions, and the core body temperature (CBT) rhythms. These alterations normalize the next morning and appear mostly for acute alcohol intake higher than 0.5 g/kg. These alterations are more severe during AUD and persist over time. In addition, interestingly, opposite patterns of the melatonin physiological ratio between diurnal and nocturnal secretion (N/D ratio < 1) have been observed during AUD and appear to be a marker of chronic daily use. During alcohol withdrawal, circadian rhythms desynchronization correlates with the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal complications such as delirium tremens. During abstinence a resynchronization of circadian rhythms of cortisol and CBT appears in most patients about 1 month after alcohol withdrawal. Disruption of melatonin circadian rhythms can persist after 3-12 weeks of abstinence. The circadian genetic vulnerability associated with biological rhythms alterations in alcohol use disorders increases the risk of relapses. Circadian-based interventions could play a critical role in preventing and treating AUD.

Key Findings

Circadian-based interventions could play a critical role in preventing and treating AUD.

Outcomes Measured

  • cortisol levels

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Alcoholism
  • Body Temperature
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ethanol
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Melatonin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09