Puffiness under the eyes is a common symptom of allergies, lack of sleep, stress, and poor diet. Eyes will become puffy when the skin around the eyes becomes irritated and itchy. People who consume large amounts of alcohol and sodium before bed may wake up with puffy eyes due to water retention.
Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates and other central nervous system depressant drugs act primarily on a neurotransmitter substance known as GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that makes other neurons less likely to activate.
GABA and Stress in the Brain. Interactions between glutamate, GABA and alcohol can activate the brainâs stress defence systems. When the amygdala and other related areas of the brain detect alcohol toxicity, they initiate synthesis and secretion of CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor).