This article explores how alcohol affects your quality of sleep.

It is more often consumed at night, also called a nightcap, and may negatively affect your sleep.

What Happens When You Drink Alcohol Right Before Bed?

Two glasses of red wine.

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Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes to help regulate sleep.

If you sleep better when you don’t drink, you might consider stopping alcohol use entirely.

However, if you continue to have sleeping difficulties, reach out to asleep specialist.

In general, take a stab at avoid drinking alcohol four hours before you plan on going to sleep.

Even though alcohol can make youfeel sleepy, it may impact your overall quality of sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alcohol is a centralnervous systemdepressant, also called a sedative.

Sedatives cause your brain activity to slow down and can make you feel relaxed.

This may allow you to fall asleep more quickly, however it can greatly impact your sleep quality.

Alcohol may reduceREM sleepin the first half of the night, creating an imbalance in your sleep cycle.

This can decrease your sleep quality and may lead to less sleep and more awakenings.

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