The association between alcohol and sleep has been investigated since the 1930s. However, many elements of this interaction remain a mystery still. According to research, sleepers who consume lots of alcohol before going to bed are more likely to have delayed sleep onset, which means they need a longer time to fall asleep.
Alcohol might feel like a solution as its sedative effects can help you fall asleep more quickly. However, people who drink before bed often have sleep interruptions later in the night and experience excessive daytime drowsiness the next day.
Furthermore, drinking to fall asleep can lead to the development of a tolerance, forcing you to consume more alcohol each subsequent night to get its sedative effects.
The bottom line: alcohol is not a great bedfellow. Cut it out to see your sleep improve and to feel better rested in the morning