Alcohol
There’s a general belief that copious amounts of alcohol puts you into a deep daze and produces great sleep, but that’s not fully accurate. While alcohol does help you get to sleep, it doesn’t lead to long-lasting and refreshing rest.
Alcohol actually interferes with the restorative functions of sleep, often paving the way for shallow sleep and several awakenings throughout the night.
On top of that, people who regularly use alcohol to fall asleep develop a dependency on it, which creates a frustrating cycle.
So what *is* good to eat before bed? A banana? A small cup of plain yogurt w/ fruit? A cheese stick and crackers?
I think a good alternative to alcohol is peppermint or chamomile tea. Chilled in the summer, warm in the winter.
Cheese and wheat crackers—whole wheat—is always a good bet. For drinking before bed, I like a double-milk steamed decaf java or tea