Final answer:
Alcohol is not recommended for insomnia because it disrupts REM sleep, reduces deep sleep, and causes dehydration, all of which contribute to poor sleep quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohol is not a recommended remedy for insomnia primarily because it disrupts REM sleep. REM sleep is a critical phase of the sleep cycle that aids in memory consolidation and other key brain functions. Additionally, alcohol can reduce the amount of deep sleep one experiences, which is essential for physical restoration and healing. Furthermore, consumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration due to its diuretic effect, inhibiting antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release, which causes the body to lose more water through increased urine output. Although alcohol might initially induce sleep due to its sedative effect, it overall leads to poor sleep quality and can exacerbate sleeping problems.