Never Drink This Before Bed: Here’s Why 

After a hard day, it may be tempting to unwind with a drink of alcohol before going to bed. Bad sleep is a result of drinking alcohol at night. Sleep scientists also worry about what occurs when you fall asleep. That nightcap can make you feel less rested the next morning even if you got a full eight hours of sleep.

At Cooking Office, we think that daily health tips should be practical and based on credible research. If improving sleep is one of your goals, here’s why sleep experts generally recommend avoiding alcohol close to bedtime. 

It May Help You Fall Asleep But Not Stay Asleep 

A person can feel relaxed and sleepy with alcohol. But then your sleep pattern shifts when your body metabolizes it during the night.

REM sleep is a necessary portion of sleep that is responsible for several aspects of physical and mental health. It is known that drinking affects its quality. During the second half of the night, you’re more likely to get lighter, disturbed sleep instead of deep, restorative sleep during that portion of sleep.

This means you may wake up feeling exhausted even if you got adequate sleep.

It Can Make Snoring and Sleep Apnea Worse 

Older adults need to keep better control over alcohol consumption, as it is known to cause respiratory issues.

Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, making it more probable that the airway will constrict or collapse. This increases snoring and causes respiratory issues for an individual. It is also a cause of discomfort during the night.

It is very important for older adults to have a good grip on the consumption of alcohol and what timing to follow.

Why Older Adults Should Pay Extra Attention 

Sleep naturally tends to become lighter and more readily disturbed as we age. And if you throw alcohol into the mix, such disturbances may become even more pronounced.

Older adults may be more susceptible to alcohol’s impact on sleep, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) points out, as they tend to have altered sleep patterns and are more prone to problems such as sleep apnea. Poor sleep can also lead to problems such as tiredness during the day, poor focus, and an increased risk of falls.

When Should You Stop Drinking? 

Sleep specialists don’t always tell you to stay away from alcohol totally. It’s a question of timing.

Alcohol should preferably consumed in the evening, three to four hours before sleep. By following this routine, the effect of alcohol is reduced as it has passed through the body and a normal sleep routine can be achieved. 

If you’re waking in the night regularly after drinking, relocating your evening drink earlier could make a noticeable difference.

The Bottom Line 

It’s not the drinking of alcohol that’s the problem; it’s drinking it too close to bedtime. Alcohol disturbs your sleep cycle. Your sleep may seem to be improving, but over time, your sleep quality will decline, and you will not be at full energy throughout your day. One of the easiest changes you can make if you want to wake up feeling more refreshed is to avoid drinking alcohol close to bedtime and finish your last drink at least three to four hours before going to sleep.