6 Remedies for Sleep Problems—Do They Work?

By Rachel Johnson, Ph.D, M.P.H., R.D., March/April 2008

Can anything we eat or drink help? Here’s what the science says.

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"Dear author of this article: You say that you are using your sleepless nights to keep on doing research. Can we as sleepless human sand as readers and as non-scientists find out what amount of effort and financial resources are being...

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5. Have a nightcap.

Though a glass of wine may help you fall asleep, excessive alcohol use can make you wake up in the night. One theory is that alcohol suppresses the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep state that’s critical to a good night’s sleep, says Spielman. “One of my insomnia patients became remarkably better when he reduced his alcohol intake from 20 to three drinks per week.” Drink moderately, if at all; avoid drinking within a few hours of bedtime.

Next: 6. Cut out all caffeine »