Don't Believe This Myth About Drinking Alcohol Before Bed

If there's even been a point in your life when you've found yourself twisting and turning in bed, groaning as you long for an easy solution to get some much-needed rest, you're not alone. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, insomnia is believed to affect around 30% of adults and can be a highly frustrating experience. The effects of sleep deprivation can be pretty severe, too. Those with insomnia may find it difficult to focus on tasks during the day and may also end up battling tension headaches or extreme fatigue, among other symptoms.

Many folks prefer to treat insomnia by adding something new to their routine, such as chamomile tea and meditation. Antioxidants in chamomile tea may potentially may make it easier to fall asleep (via Healthline.) There are also those who prefer taking an alternative route and suggest a quick nightcap to induce sleep quickly and painlessly. However, that may be a terrible idea for those struggling with sleep problems.

According to The Healthy, it's incorrect to assume that having a quick drink will make it easier to beat problems associated with insomnia. Alcohol can have the opposite effect and hamper your sleep quality. As Web MD explains, alcohol does let people sleep easily, but the quality of sleep itself isn't great.

It's a simple explanation. Alcohol wreaks havoc on REM sleep and doesn't allow you to get as much rest as you need. You might doze off quickly after a drink or two, but may find yourself waking up several times through the night, or simply not feel rested when you get up in the morning. Everyday Health advises that not consuming alcohol close to bed is the way to go. It's smarter to follow good sleep hygiene instead and incorporate healthy habits, such as working out regularly, avoiding caffeine in excess, sleeping in a cool, peaceful environment free of distractions, and more.

You can also try adding healthy food items such as almonds, oats, bananas, and a non-alcoholic drink like herbal tea or warm milk to your list of food items to try for better sleep. Per Good Housekeeping, they're good options for those who are looking for easy and effective ways to boost their sleep quality.