Planning a relaxing evening drink to help you drift off? Think twice. New research from the University of Michigan reveals that alcohol actually impairs sleep quality, with women experiencing the most significant effects.
The classic 'nightcap' may seem like a good idea, but for women especially, it often leads to reduced sleep duration, frequent awakenings, and restless nights.
This 2020 study examined the effects of alcohol on sleep in 93 adults (59 women and 34 men). Participants received either an alcoholic beverage or a placebo between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., followed by detailed sleep monitoring overnight.
Shorter sleep duration
Women who consumed alcohol slept an average of 20 minutes less during an eight-hour window compared to those who didn't drink. They also reported poorer sleep quality. Men, however, metabolized alcohol faster—likely due to physiological differences—resulting in less disruption.
