7. Alcohol
After a difficult day, it can be tempting to drink wine. We might then go to bed and fall asleep immediately. Right? Possibly…
Alcohol causes cortisol release. Even if we feel calm, we’re actually more agitated. High cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Alcohol may help us fall asleep faster, but it reduces our REM sleep. We’ll feel drained the next day.
Summary: Alcohol induces sleep faster but not REM sleep. It releases cortisol, which causes weight gain and sickness.
