After a relaxing evening, enjoying a glass of wine in front of the TV or celebrating a free weekend with friends—alcohol initially relaxes us. However, what is first perceived as “inner calm” turns out to be a calorie-rich disruptor once we are in bed.

Yes, the question of alcohol is one Dr. Vorster, sleep researcher and head of the Swiss Sleep House in Bern, is asked very often. He therefore has a clear answer ready: “Alcohol helps you fall asleep, but not stay asleep.” For a simple reason: when you drink alcohol, your brain is essentially slowed down. You find it easier to let go, your muscles relax, and racing thoughts disappear. However, precisely because the muscles are in a kind of “vacation mode,” you are more likely to start snoring.

“Alcohol promotes snoring. Our snoring ‘concert’ also causes us to wake up more frequently during the night, thereby disrupting our sleep.” — Dr. Vorster, sleep researcher, Swiss Sleep House Bern 

What alcohol does in the body while we sleep 

Beer, wine, cocktails, and similar drinks may give the misleading impression that we slept better. But this feeling is deceptive. Alcohol not only contains many calories, it also disrupts the sleep cycle, causes an above-average number of brief awakenings, promotes snoring, and reduces sleep quality. The dreaded hangover the next day is a well-known consequence. The risk of developing a fatty liver is also increased with regular alcohol consumption. 

The fact is: alcohol may help you fall asleep quickly, but in the second half of the night it causes significant problems through repeated awakenings and breathing interruptions. You will definitely experience the best sleep without alcohol. 

Sleep tip from Dr. Vorster

“If you have trouble falling asleep, do not turn to alcohol, as it has several negative health effects. Instead, try a 5-minute breathing meditation or progressive muscle relaxation to calm and relax your body before sleep.” 

Source: 

Dr. Albrecht Vorster, sleep researcher at the Swiss Sleep House in Bern (personal communication, June 12, 2024)