Relaxation is a recommended technique to help us to sleep ... so why isn't a night cap a good idea? Alcohol actually helps induce deep sleep, the problem is that the beneficial effect last only about 4 hours, and then you get the alcohol withdrawal effects with the sweating, the rapid heart beat, the waking and anxiety. Studies showed that the detrimental effects begin after 2 drinks. ​ Alcohol suppresses REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement sleep), which is the restorative sleep ne