Guwahati, Jan. 27 -- Emma Sweeney, Nottingham Trent University and Fran Pilkington-Cheney, Nottingham Trent University

Alcohol is often used as a sleep aid - with some people crediting a "nightcap" with helping them fall asleep more easily. But while it might be nice to unwind after a long day with a glass of wine or a beer, alcohol may not be as beneficial for sleep as some think. In fact, it may actually lead to a worse night's sleep overall.

If alcohol is consumed before bed, it can initially have a sedative effect - making you fall asleep more quickly. But while we may think a nightcap shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, recent research shows this sedative effect only really occurs after drinking higher doses of alcohol - bet...