Worst time to drink alcohol - It could ruin your sleep

What time you should not drink alcohol

Family doctor Victoria Hayes explained that consuming alcoholic beverages after 7:00 PM can subtly harm sleep and overall well-being.

Even one drink taken too close to bedtime can disrupt the body’s ability to recover, rest, and reset.

You may fall asleep faster after a drink, but alcohol blocks the REM phase, a deep, restorative part of the sleep cycle responsible for memory, mood, and information processing.

Although alcohol initially acts as a sedative, its effect weakens later at night, causing fragmented sleep and increased heart rate.

Therefore, you are more likely to wake up early in the morning feeling tired and sluggish.

The effect is most pronounced when alcohol is consumed within three hours of going to bed.

Additionally, drinking alcohol can reduce REM sleep, increase snoring, and worsen symptoms of sleep apnea.

Dr. Hayes recommends stopping alcohol consumption by 7 or 8 PM, depending on your usual bedtime.

"Give your body enough time to metabolise it before you sleep. That’s the best way to enjoy a drink without compromising your recovery," she added.

Why you should completely give up alcohol

Improved health

Alcohol negatively affects the liver, heart, brain, and many other organs. Quitting reduces the risk of developing diseases such as liver cirrhosis, heart attack, stroke, and cancer.

Improved mental state

Alcohol can cause depression, anxiety, and worsen sleep quality. Without it, mood becomes more stable, energy levels increase, and thinking becomes clearer.

Improved appearance

Giving up alcohol helps the skin look better, reduces swelling, and improves complexion.

Increased productivity

A person without alcohol dependence is better able to concentrate, gets tired less, and achieves more in learning or work.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.