The Truth About Alcohol and Sleep with Dr. Audrey Wells
Alcohol is not a sleep aid. It's a sedative, which means that it can make you feel sleepy, but it doesn't induce natural sleep, and it can actually harm your sleep quality.
Ever wondered if that nightcap is really helping you sleep? In this episode of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox chats with Dr. Audrey Wells, a sleep medicine physician and certified mindset coach, to tackle the myth that alcohol aids sleep. Dr. Wells, who helps people improve their sleep and overall well-being, explains why alcohol might make you feel drowsy but actually disrupts your sleep cycle.
This disruption leads to poorer quality sleep and can exacerbate health issues like sleep apnea, memory problems, and even weight gain. Dr. Wells dives into the science behind how alcohol affects your upper airway muscles, causing snoring and interrupted breathing. She also discusses the anxiety linked to negative associations with your bed and how this can worsen sleep issues. It's not all doom and gloom, though. Dr. Wells offers practical tips for enhancing your sleep naturally.
From establishing a consistent bedtime routine to creating a relaxing sleep environment, she shares actionable advice to help you catch those Z's without relying on alcohol. So if you're tired of waking up groggy and want to improve your overall health, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Wells' insights might just be the wake-up call you need to rethink your nightly glass of wine.