Why Is Alcohol a Poor Sleep Aid?

These 7 dangerous nighttime habits can ruin your sleep and wreak havoc on your health. Stop making these nighttime routine mistakes! Get better sleep tonight by quitting these unhealthy night habits immediately.

0:00 Introduction: Avoid these habits that hurt sleep

2:22 Avoiding screens for better sleep

4:28 Alcohol before sleep

8:05 Avoid these before bed

10:05 More sleep equals better sleep

1. Carbs and sugar before bedGrowth hormone rises at night, but is blunted by a rise in blood sugar. This hormone helps you burn fat, repair tissues, and build muscle mass. A massive blood sugar spike before bed can interfere with your sleep and cause grogginess, fatigue, cravings, and irritability the next day.

2. Screens and lights before bed

Avoid lights and screens, especially those emitting blue light, for at least 2 hours before bed. Melatonin is suppressed by light. Not only does this powerful antioxidant help you sleep, but it’s more important than glutathione for detoxification and DNA repair. Blue light also suppresses deep delta wave sleep and REM sleep.

3. Using alcohol to fall asleep

Alcohol tricks your body into falling asleep, but you’re not really sleeping: your body is working to detoxify alcohol. Alcohol increases cortisol and adrenaline, and depletes electrolytes. It also depletes vitamin B1, which can cause anxiety and nervous tension the next day. Instead of alcohol, try magnesium glycinate in warm water or kombucha tea.

4. Late-night junk food

Junk foods typically contain seed oils, which are inflammatory and hard on the gallbladder. If you’re craving salty food before bed, try putting a small amount of sea salt in your mouth or adding more salt to your dinner.

5. Antihistamines or sleeping pills before bed

Sedated, artificial sleep does not leave you feeling rejuvenated and rested in the morning. People often feel less focused with decreased concentration and memory. You may eventually need more of the drug to create the same effect.

6. Sleeping next to your cell phone

Your cell phone and charging cable both emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which can negatively impact your brain and sleep cycles. EMFs also interfere with melatonin. Keep your cell phone on airplane mode or away from your body when you’re sleeping.

7. Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation can make sleep more difficult in itself. You need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Try to get to sleep at 10:00 p.m. each night, or 11:00 p.m. at the latest.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.