People often relax after a long day with wine, beer or cocktails. Drinking these beverages seems to relax people and promote sleep. So does drinking alcohol before bed really help you sleep? A recent study showed that people who consumed alcoholic beverages in the evening actually slept more restlessly and their sleep quality was significantly affected because their rapid eye movement sleep time was actually shortened. Another interesting study also found that drinking late at night reduces the amount of necessary repair work performed by the body during the night, and that the amount of alcohol does affect parasympathetic activity during sleep. The volunteers in the study consumed spirits, low-alcohol drinks and non-alcoholic beverages 100 minutes before bedtime. As a result the more spirits consumed the higher the heart rate of the volunteers during the night. The researchers said that these fast heart rates are signs that the body is not in rest mode during the active period of cell renewal and repair. This finding may help explain why people who drink regularly often suffer from insomnia at night and feel sleepy during the day, as well as long-term health problems. Therefore, if you desire a better, healthier night’s sleep, do not drink alcohol before bedtime.