If you think a cocktail before bed will help you sleep better, you'd better think again! Sure, a glass of wine or two may make you sleepy, but you might find yourself tossing and turning at around 2 a.m. The reason? Your body actually experiences symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol once it's been digested, and that can lead to less than sound sleep.
Another big no-no before bed is caffeine. And this doesn't just mean coffee — an obvious source — but also soda, certain teas, and even chocolate! Remember, caffeine is a stimulant, so if you want to have a restful night's sleep, consider skipping the caffeine, or at least avoid consuming it four to six hours before bed. That's another good reason to skip a slice of gooey chocolate cake for dessert!
