Sleep habits
Does Alcohol Help You Sleep? Sources and Video Links
By Midline. Last reviewed .
The question
Does alcohol help you sleep?
Short answer
Alcohol makes sleep worse, even when it helps you nod off. Sources: Matthew Walker and Michael Breus, both on The Diary Of A CEO.
Midline cannot measure visceral fat and is not medical advice. Check with a doctor before making medical decisions.
Who says so?
- Matthew Walker, The Diary Of A CEO.
- Michael Breus, The Diary Of A CEO.
The video for each is linked under Sources below. We name them so you can check the source yourself.
What doesn't this page cover?
It gives one habit and the people who name it. It doesn't tell you how much alcohol is safe, and it can't tell you why you sleep badly.
When should you see a doctor?
If poor sleep has gone on for months or affects your days, see your doctor.
Where does Midline fit?
Midline's Level 2, Real Food, has a habit for cutting back on alcohol.
If you drink heavily every day, talk to your doctor before you cut back.
More on sleep: how many hours of sleep you need and how long before bed to turn off screens.
Frequently asked questions
Can alcohol help you fall asleep?
Alcohol makes sleep worse, even when it helps you nod off.
Who are the sources for this answer?
Matthew Walker and Michael Breus, both on The Diary Of A CEO. The video links are under Sources on this page.
Does Midline have a habit for alcohol?
Yes. Midline's Level 2, Real Food, has a habit for cutting back on alcohol. If you drink heavily every day, talk to your doctor before you cut back.
When should you see a doctor about poor sleep?
If poor sleep has gone on for months or affects your days, see your doctor.
Keep reading
More answers
Sources
- Matthew Walker on The Diary Of A CEO. Matthew Walker, The Diary Of A CEOAlcohol is one of the things people take in that harms sleep, even though they think it helps.
- Michael Breus on The Diary Of A CEO. Michael Breus, The Diary Of A CEOUsing alcohol at night, before bed, as a stress relief tool messes up your sleep: you might be asleep, but the quality of your sleep is poor. He also says to stop alcohol, like food, about three hours before bed.
All sources across the site are listed on the sources page.
Last reviewed . Educational only, not medical advice. Check with your pharmacist if you take medication.
We draft articles with AI help. A reviewer checks every health statement against the expert's own words in the video before it goes up.