
The 4 Drinks to Avoid for Better Sleep
Because happy hours don’t need to end with hangovers.

As Dry January comes to a close, participants are likely feeling better than ever. It’s no secret that skipping out on alcohol can improve your physical and mental health, but there are specific alcoholic beverages that could affect you more than others. Rimas Geiga, a registered dietitian, and Martin Seeley, a senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay, recently shared the beverages that are guaranteed to give you a hangover and impair your sleep.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the most troubling day-after-drinking symptoms may include mild dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, and of course, sleep issues. Here are the drinks you should ignore for more sound snoozing:

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1. Espresso Martini
Combining caffeine and alcohol, this will keep the party going long after you’ve left the bar. Geiga advised to stop ordering them after 6 p.m. to ensure you catch enough zzz’s.

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2. Brandy, Whiskey, or Bourbon
There are a number of reasons people get hangovers, but research suggests that congeners could be the main culprit. These give some drinks their taste and smell, per the Mayo Clinic, and they’re found in larger amounts in darker spirits. High-congener drinks also tend to give people worse hangovers than clear spirits such as vodka or gin.

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3. Margaritas or Daquiris
Think of these as dessert in disguise, since the high sugar content can spike your blood sugar and make you crash… but not into a restful sleep cycle.

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4. Red Wine
Your favorite glass of vino might be calling your name after a long day, but it can lead to acid reflux or heartburn. “This discomfort can make it difficult to fall asleep, as lying down can worsen symptoms,” Martin said in the report. “Over time, this can lead to fragmented sleep, reduced REM sleep, and overall lower quality rest.”
For a more satisfying night of sleep, Geiga and Martin recommend a low-congener cocktail with vodka, gin, or a light rum with a splash of juice or water in lieu of a carbonated mixer. And don’t underestimate the power of a glass of water to manage hydration levels.