Rather than trying to force yourself to sleep, create a calmer transition into bedtime.
Consider:
Writing tomorrow’s tasks down before bed
Limiting stressful work late at night
Practicing slow breathing
Keeping your bedroom dark and quiet
Avoiding checking the time repeatedly
The goal is to reduce the amount of mental stimulation surrounding bedtime.
3. Alcohol May Be Interrupting Your Sleep
Some people believe alcohol helps them sleep because it can make them feel relaxed and sleepy initially.
But falling asleep quickly isn’t the same as getting good-quality sleep.
Alcohol can alter normal sleep architecture and may contribute to awakenings later in the night as its effects change.
You may therefore fall asleep easily after drinking but wake several hours later.
Alcohol can also worsen:
Snoring
Sleep apnea
Reflux
Dehydration
Nighttime urination
If you repeatedly wake around the same time after drinking alcohol in the evening, the timing may not be a coincidence.
