10 Benefits of Whiskey Before Bed: Full Guide
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
There’s more beyond that flashy bottle of whiskey. It is not just an alcohol drink that relaxes your body but also has surprising health benefits.
Whiskey can do good to your body, of course, when consumed in moderate amounts. But how does drinking alcohol, like whiskey, impact your body positively?
Keep reading as we reveal the health benefits of whiskey before bed.
Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Whiskey Before Bed
10. Aids In Deep Sleep
Whiskey aids in deep sleep. When you’re asleep, whiskey lessens the cathepsin hormone, a stress hormone promoting the storage of fat and cortisol production in your body.
9. Helps You Relax & Eases Anxiety
Whiskey helps reduce stress. Drinking a moderate amount helps calm your nerves– reducing anxiety.
Due to its sedative properties, you can easily relax your mind and body to fight anxiety or tension.
8. Helps With The Secretion Of Melatonin & Serotonin
The presence of whiskey in your body helps the secretion of serotonin and melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
Drinking whiskey before going to bed increases the melatonin levels helping you fall asleep.
However, it doesn’t mean you can drink too much whiskey to fall asleep much faster.
Excessive alcohol consumption can impose an opposite effect that can keep you awake.
7. Boosts Immune System
Whiskey consumption helps boost your body system and increase energy to accomplish physical activities while controlling your desire for sugar or sucrose intake.
Besides, it promotes healthy digestion. An after-dinner shot of this spirit is a good way to end your meal–making it a great digestif.
Also, for whiskey drinkers who want to lose weight, it won’t be a problem as this spirit helps boost metabolism, which suppresses hunger, making you feel full.
6. Helps You Fall Asleep Sooner
Drinking whiskey several hours before going to bed help you fall asleep faster.
If you have trouble sleeping, you can go to bed sooner after consuming a moderate glass of whiskey as it makes you feel drowsy.
Besides, a moderate intake of alcohol before bed can help improve sleep quality.
But take note – no to excessive drinking. Just one glass of alcohol is enough.
5. May Help Alleviate A Cold
To alleviate the common cold or sore throat, drinking alcohol is a much more delicious cure.
The alcohol acts as a numbing agent or antiseptic that soothes your aching tonsils and other nose and throat discomforts.
Hot Toddy has been proven to help cure a cold as it contains properties similar to Nyquil, which acts as a decongestant by dilating your blood vessels.
“Whiskey is by far the most popular of all remedies that won’t cure a cold.”
— Jerry Vale, American Singer
Whiskey, along with lemon, herbal tea, and honey, promotes anesthetic properties helping to loosen mucus.
4. Promotes Brain Health
One of the good benefits of whiskey is improving your brain health.
Compared to red wine, single malt whiskey contains more antioxidants that help improve memory and mental agility.
Based on studies, it can help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease due to its high antioxidant level.
3. Helps Remove Bacteria
Since whiskey has high antioxidant properties, it can help fight bacteria causing inflammation, flu, diabetes, cancer, and illnesses.
The ellagic acid aids in neutralizing free radicals causing cancer or other diseases.
Also, among other alcoholic beverages, you can find a heart-health whiskey brand that can help lower the risk of stroke due to its blood-thinning properties.
A small glass of this drink per day can help reduce the risk of stroke caused by blood clots.
2. Prevents Cancer Cells From Growing In The Body
Other healthy benefits of whiskey are it helps prevent cancer cells from growing in your body as it slows down the activity of enzymes that might trigger tumors.
1. Boosts The Production Of Sleep-Enhancing Hormones
One main health benefit of this spirit is it speeds up the production of sleep-enhancing hormones: melatonin and serotonin.
The presence of phenolic acid releases stress hormones before bedtime– regulating your sleep cycles and allowing you to have better sleep.
The phenols relax your nerves, which improves blood circulation. If you drink alcohol a few hours before bedtime, you can expect quality sleep.
What Is The Best Time To Drink Whiskey?
The best time to drink your favorite whiskey is at night [1], as it promotes good sleep quality due to the enhanced production of sleep-enhancing hormones in your body.
But other health benefits include lowering the risk of inflammation, heart disease, high blood pressure, and changes in cholesterol levels caused by consuming excessive alcohol.
FAQs
Is it okay to drink whiskey every night?
It is okay to drink whiskey every night but in moderation.
Males can drink not more than 3oz of whiskey, and 1.5oz of whiskey for females per night, and they should not be mixed with other alcoholic drinks.
How much whiskey should you drink before bed?
A glass of alcohol like whiskey before bed is enough to get its health benefits.
Drinking too much can lead to negative effects on your body.
Are there side effects of drinking whisky every day?
Yes. There are side effects of drinking alcohol daily if you consume excessive amounts.
Long-term effects include heart and liver diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, and digestive problem [2].
Can a shot of whiskey help me sleep?
Yes. One shot of whisky helps induce sleep. It boosts sleep-enhancing hormones like melatonin and relaxes your nerves, mind, and body due to its sedative effects.
Final Thoughts
Consuming whiskey, in moderation, promotes good health benefits, including improving the quality of sleep, strengthening metabolism, enhancing memory, removing bacteria, and many more.
It’s not bad to drink alcohol every day, especially at night, as long as you know your body’s limit.
Remember – too much alcohol is bad. Drinking excessive alcohol can lead to opposite effects that can deteriorate your health.
So, watch what and how you drink if you want to maintain your healthy mind and body.
References:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/magazine/rules-for-an-honorable-nightcap.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body
