Benefits of Drinking Red Wine Before Bed – Are There Any?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Hello! I’m Adam Kemp, and I drank red wine before bed for years since I played professional basketball in Macedonia. My first pro basketball season (2014) was in Macedonia in a village called Kavadarci, known for its incredible grapes.
I drank a lot of red wine before bed that year, and I made it a habit that stuck with me for much of my professional basetkabll career.
However, I recently began avoiding red wine before bed, and I think it is a great decision.
The idea of drinking red wine before bed is popular among many people who believe it offers health benefits, from better heart health to improved sleep. However, research shows that no amount of alcohol, including red wine, is entirely safe for health.
And even the Bible says wine has its moments—but also its risks!
Ecclesiastes 9:7 cheers us on to “drink your wine with a merry heart,” celebrating its place in a joyful life.
But then there’s Proverbs 20:1, warning, “Wine is a mocker,” and Ephesians 5:18, urging, “Do not get drunk on wine.”
The Bible appreciates a good glass yet nudges us toward moderation.
While red wine contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which have beneficial effects, the risks associated with alcohol generally outweigh these supposed benefits.
For those who choose to drink red wine before bed, it’s essential to approach it as a social choice rather than a health-enhancing one.
If you’re pouring red wine before bed, consider both the enjoyment and the risks before making it a nightly ritual.
Red Wine Before Bed: The Potential Risks
- Cardiovascular Risks and Stroke: Red wine before bed may seem beneficial, but alcohol’s effects on the cardiovascular system are complex. Studies show that while some compounds in red wine, such as resveratrol, might support heart health, the alcohol itself can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart arrhythmias. Even small amounts of alcohol thin the blood, which can raise the likelihood of hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain.
- Cancer Risk: Alcohol, including red wine, is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast, liver, and esophageal cancer. The ethanol in red wine is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can damage DNA and promote cancer development, making red wine before bed a questionable choice for health-conscious individuals.
- Sleep Disruption: Although many people believe that red wine before bed promotes relaxation and better sleep, alcohol can negatively impact sleep quality. It disrupts the REM sleep cycle, which is essential for mental and physical restoration, leading to grogginess and decreased alertness the next day.
- Impact on Weight and Metabolism: Drinking red wine before bed introduces additional calories and sugars into the body, which can hinder weight management efforts. Alcohol also disrupts the body’s natural metabolism, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. This can be particularly problematic for those with weight management goals, as alcohol can promote abdominal fat storage.
How to Safely Enjoy Red Wine Before Bed Socially
If you choose to drink red wine before bed as a social or recreational choice rather than for health reasons, there are steps you can take to reduce its impact on your body:
- Limit Quantity: Stick to one glass of red wine before bed if you do drink, as excess alcohol significantly raises health risks. Moderation is key for mitigating potential damage.
- Hydrate Well: Alcohol is dehydrating, which can worsen hangovers and impact physical health. Properly hydrating alongside red wine before bed can help reduce dehydration effects.
- Eat Before Drinking: Drinking red wine before bed on an empty stomach accelerates alcohol absorption, affecting blood sugar and liver function. A healthy meal or snack can help balance its effects.
- Allow Time Before Sleep: Drinking red wine too close to bedtime disrupts sleep cycles. Aim to consume your drink at least an hour before bed to give your body time to process the alcohol.
Final Thoughts: Should You Drink Red Wine Before Bed
While red wine before bed may be a popular social practice, it is important to understand its effects on your body and approach it as a lifestyle choice rather than a health choice.
The antioxidants in red wine, such as resveratrol, are available in other, non-alcoholic foods like berries, nuts, green tea, and even supplements, offering benefits without the risks associated with alcohol.
By making informed choices and following safe practices, you can enjoy red wine socially while safeguarding your health and sleep quality.
