Health Q & A: Does Wine Cause Sleep Problems?

Tina Benitez

Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Q: Can wine, or other alcohol, cause sleep problems?

A: According to the National Sleep Foundation, Washington, D.C.:

Alcohol is often thought of as a sedative: a calming drug. However, while alcohol may speed the beginning of sleep, it actually increases the number of times you awaken in the later half of the night. If your sleep isn't restful, alcohol (beer, wine, hard liquor) may be the cause. Skip the nightcap and see if your sleep improves. Caffeine and alcohol aren't the only substances that affect sleep. Another cause of sleep problems can be eating too much of any food. A heavy meal close to bedtime may make you less comfortable when you settle down for your night's rest. At the same time, going to bed hungry can be just as disruptive to sleep as going to bed too full.

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