{"id":488,"date":"2026-07-22T13:40:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T13:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fortworthsnoringandsleepcenter.com\/blog\/?p=488"},"modified":"2026-09-19T01:03:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T01:03:53","slug":"the-negative-nightcap-why-people-with-sleep-apnea-should-avoid-alcohol-before-bed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fortworthsnoringandsleepcenter.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/22\/the-negative-nightcap-why-people-with-sleep-apnea-should-avoid-alcohol-before-bed\/","title":{"rendered":"The Negative Nightcap: Why People with Sleep Apnea Should Avoid Alcohol Before Bed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sometimes, the best part of the day is when it ends. You have a chance to relax, breathe, and maybe enjoy a cocktail. Not only are they delicious, but they help you quickly fall asleep as well. Unfortunately, if you have sleep apnea<\/a>, a drink or two before bed might be making your mornings harder (and not in the way you might be thinking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Alcohol, Sleep Apnea, & You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Countless people around the world drink alcohol right before bed because it\u2019s calming, and that\u2019s exactly why it causes problems when you have sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol is a depressant<\/em>, which means it causes the muscles in the throat and upper airway to become overly lax when you lie down and go to bed, increasing the risk of the airway becoming cut off. This can make sleep apnea worse (more breathing obstructions throughout the night) or contribute to the blockages occurring in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthier Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having a nightly ritual that lets you wind down before going to bed is not only healthy, but encouraged by experts! While having a few drinks should be avoided, here are some other options that can help you drift off again and again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n