Preloading

4 Ways Alcohol Messes with Your Sleep

We know that a nightcap—or three—won't help us drift off into a peaceful slumber. But we didn't know exactly why it sets us up for a restless, sweaty, snore-y, anxious night.
Photo: Thinkstock
2 of 5
It's Especially Disruptive to Women
After an evening of drinking, women, in particular, are likely to be tossing and turning, a 2011 study found. Although everyone in the study drank until they were equally drunk (the researchers doled out drinks adjusted for gender and weight and measured intoxication by breath alcohol content), the female participants woke up more often during the night, stayed awake longer and slept for less time overall than the men. This might be because women metabolize alcohol more quickly—meaning they speed through alcohol's sedative effects and get to that second, fragmented part of the night sooner.
Previous 2 of 5 Next
Published 06/26/2013
You May Also Like
What to Eat for Deep Sleep
Natural Remedies to Supercharge Your Sleep
7 Most Convincing Reasons to Get 7 Hours of Sleep
5 Things Never to Do Right Before Bed

View All Newsletters

Related Articles
Sheet Pan Breakfast Recipes
Healthy Recipes from Gabrielle Union
5 Surprising Allergies You May Have
Anti-Inflammatory Slow-Cooker Recipes
Why You Gain Weight in Winter
Dirtiest Places in the Supermarket