Better Sleep 102: Rethink Your Drink

Do you wake up a lot at night? Do you feel like you could use a little more sleep in the mornings? If yes, you are not alone. 2/3 of our nation doesn’t feel well rested and 20% (1 in 5 people) have problems sleeping. It turns out that drinking alcohol before you go to sleep can break up your sleep and reduces rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when you dream. Trouble is, alcohol may seem to help you feel drowsy and fall asleep quicker. Overall, it’s more disruptive to sleep especially in the second half of your night.

What can people do about this? It is good to hear what sleep experts have to say.

Avoid alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime. It can fragment your sleep. 

  • After 8 PM, alcohol can cause breaks and reduce your dream sleep during the night.
  • Alcohol is a diuretic  & increases sleep-wrecking middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
  • Alcohol at night can also cause breathing problems while you sleep.
  • Reduce & avoid alcohol after 8 PM. You will sleep better and feel better the next day!

Are you one of the 6 in 10 women or 7 out of 10 men who report they drink at least one alcoholic beverage a day? The disruptive effects of alcohol on sleep are dose related so the more you drink, the more alcohol wrecks havoc on your sleep. 

When you drink, keep it before 8 PM or 3 hours before bedtime for a good night's sleep!

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