Q: Does drinking wine make my snoring worse?—Lyle, Rochester, N.Y.
A: Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate as you breathe. It can sometimes indicate serious health conditions such as obesity and sleep apnea, and snoring can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.
"Any form of alcohol can make the snoring louder," Stanford University sleep specialist Dr. Rafael Pelayo told Wine Spectator. "The reason is that alcohol is sedating, and also may relax the muscle so you can have greater upper airway obstruction."
Although a glass of wine before bed may sound like a relaxing ritual, the latest research says that alcohol and sleep do not pair well together. Experts suggest that apart from losing weight, quitting smoking and sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol before bedtime can help reduce snoring.
Dr. Pelayo also warns that alcohol should never be used as a sleep aid, and advises against going to bed feeling tipsy or buzzed. Consult your physician about incorporating moderate wine consumption into a healthy lifestyle.—Shawn Zylberberg
