13 things you should never do before bed

7. Drinking alcohol

Alcohol tricks you into thinking you will sleep better because it often makes you drowsy and makes it easier to fall asleep. But as your body begins to metabolize the alcohol, REM sleep, the period where our sleep is most restorative, is reduced.

Impaired REM sleep often leads to waking up tired and unable to concentrate. Also, alcohol is a diuretic and may make you have to go to the toilet to pee during the night. For most people, it’s okay to have a drink or two at night but try not to do so immediately before you sleep.