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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To have a drink every evening to help me sleep?

21 replies

IUseAnyName · 03/06/2015 09:37

I suffer from tinnitus and at bedtime it can take me up to 2 hours to fall asleep.
Although I don't drink every night I find that a couple pf glasses of wine will greatly reduce the time it takes for me to fall asleep!
I like wine.... Would IBU to have a couple glasses each night?
I'm fairly healthy, and don't drink any other time!

OP posts:

FarFromAnyRoad · 03/06/2015 09:39

Can't see anything wrong with that at all although I'm sure the temperance wallahs will be along soon to tell you you're going to die! Lack of sleep and the resultant health issues will be far worse for you than a couple of glasses of wine.

CMOTDibbler · 03/06/2015 09:39

Yes, YBU to do that as it forms a psycological dependance - and makes you sleep worse as well.

WickedWax · 03/06/2015 09:42

I always sleep worse after a drink - I'm sure I read somewhere that it causes your blood sugar to drop during the night which wakes you up.

TattyDevine · 03/06/2015 09:42

The problem might be that it starts taking more than 2 glasses and you end up drinking at hazardous levels, but YANBU to consider it or even do it...tinnitus is awful, I've heard some people are so driven to distraction by it that they have ended up having their audio-nerve thingy cut so they are in complete silence as its preferable to the constant nose. (That may have been in the USA, I can't remember where I read it but I do remember thinking how desperate they must have been).

ItMustBeBedtimeSurely · 03/06/2015 09:43

Yes, if only because alcohol reduces the quality of your sleep. Something to do with missing rem sleep.

Owllady · 03/06/2015 09:43

I would look into alternatives, it's not a good long term plan
Have you been to your GP about it?

I say this as someone who done exactly what you are suggesting, it's not a great idea.
You need either drugs or a sleep hygiene routine that may also incorporate herbal remedies or whatever works for you

Tinnitus is shit though, you have my sympathy and I'm not meaning to be like a sanctimonious arse

startwig1982 · 03/06/2015 09:43

2 glasses of wine a night would take you over the weekly recommended amount of alcohol a week. Far better to see your doctor for help.

Original poster

IUseAnyName · 03/06/2015 09:45

I have sometimes thougjt that I'd rather be deaf than have tinnitus.... I just want a bit of silence :/.... It tok me ages to get to sleep last night, I'm nackered this morning.
wine just helps me conk out.

OP posts:

Floralnomad · 03/06/2015 09:46

Go to your GP there are lots of treatments for tinnitus that can be successful .

sunbathe · 03/06/2015 11:06

How about a white noise maker or a low level of background noise - maybe the radio on low?

coconutpie · 03/06/2015 13:34

White noise is the best option. Two glasses of wine a night to go to sleep is pretty much an alcohol dependency / problem.

Get some ocean or nature sounds and play those - very relaxing.

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 03/06/2015 13:51

It would be the start of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol

BabyMurloc · 03/06/2015 13:52

I think you are setting yourself up for a fall. I would stick to just an odd night when you've had a rough few days and also go to your doc and see if they can help. There are other alternatives.

Theycallmemellowjello · 03/06/2015 13:53

I'm afraid I think this sounds unhealthy as it starts a dependency. Also it tends to wake you up In the night. Try the tips on this thread/elsewhere online and see a doctor for better solutions - there are plenty of drugs to help you sleep.

timeforabrewnow · 03/06/2015 13:58

The OP has said she doesn't drink every night.

As long as the size of the glass of wine isn't 1/2 a bottle then it sounds practical to me. (but not 7 nights a week, as your liver would probably like a break now and then)

NormHonal · 03/06/2015 14:00

Try taking 5-HTP or similar instead?

00100001 · 03/06/2015 14:06

YABU in that it could become a dependence/addiction issue, especially if you have not been to the doctor to try and get this sorted

Clawdy · 03/06/2015 14:11

My mum started drinking a "small brandy" as she called it, each night before bed, because she couldn't sleep after my dad died very suddenly. Within a few months,she was drinking more and more, until she had a serious problem. This was after a lifetime of never touching alcohol. I do think you need to be careful.

MargolottaOfUberwold · 03/06/2015 14:26

I have a white noise app that really helps me, maybe give that a go?

WinterOfOurDiscountTents15 · 03/06/2015 14:50

If it works for you, and you feel fine, do what you like.

People are saying it makes you sleep worse etc, but thats not the case for everyone. If it makes you feel bad, stop doing it. But don't stop doing it because you think its arbitrarily wrong somehow.

Original poster

IUseAnyName · 03/06/2015 17:11

I've had tinnitus since I was a child, I don't remember not having it..... Had it for atleast 25yrs.
I have had hearing tests, referrals and scans but nothing can be done except to mask it, which imo is still noise. So whatever that noise is.... Radio/white noise etc..... It makes no difference to me. I still can't sleep.... I just want to experience silence!

I do realise that alcohol is not the best solution :/

OP posts:

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