Effects

• When the airways are restricted, the throat muscles collapse a bit, which makes it difficult for you to breathe while sleeping. Depending on the person, even as little as one or two drinks may have this effect on the airways.
  
  

Recommendation

• News-medical.net recommends that you avoid drinking alcohol for at least four hours before going to bed.
  
  

Avoid Nightcaps

• Although you may think that having a nightcap will make you sleep more soundly, the fact is that you may fall asleep faster but you will wake up during the night. Your quality of sleep will be reduced because of your nighttime drinking, according to Healthguide.org. In addition, the alcohol will increase your likelihood of snoring.
  
  

Wine

• Drinking red wine may not be a good idea either because some people are allergic to tyrosine, which is found in some red wines. An allergic reaction or sensitivity to this compound may well disturb your sleep and increase snoring.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Dr. Thomas Roth, the president of the National Sleep Foundation and director of the Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit, recommends losing weight as well as avoiding alcohol, which should reduce your incidence of snoring.