For a Better Snooze – Lose the Booze

The mission might make it hard for you to get enough good sleep. Don’t let alcohol make it even harder. Cutting back on alcohol can help you sleep better, which can improve your physical fitness, health and readiness.

Getting enough sleep can help you:

• Stay strong – Good, nonstop sleep helps you build muscle mass and control your weight. Sleep also helps your immune system, so you can spend less time fighting off colds and flus and more time living your best life.
• Improve your readiness – Making sure the sleep you do get is quality sleep can increase your attention and focus. Ditch the booze if you want to wake up feeling better rested and alert.
• Keep your friends and family safe – Driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Get the sleep you need to stay alert and safe on the road.
• Improve your mood – Snapping at friends and family? You might need more sleep. Cutting back on booze will help you sleep better which may improve your mental health. If you feel anxious or sad on a regular basis, make an appointment to see your military health care provider and read these resources on depression and anxiety for other ways to cope.

Alcohol doesn’t help you sleep.

Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, but don’t let it fool you. It’s actually bad for your sleep. Even a drink or two before bed can leave you tossing and turning all night, waking up mid-dream and not being able to fall back to sleep. If you already have a sleep disorder like insomnia, alcohol can make it worse. If you need alcohol to help you fall sleep, discuss your alcohol use with your military health care provider or chaplain.

Cut back on your alcohol intake, especially before bed, if you want to be up and at ‘em on time and ready to serve.