Youll sleep better too!
Nobodywantsto talk about constipation.
But it happensa lot.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Its so common, in fact, that roughly 15% of Americans struggle with chronic constipation.
And one hidden offender is alcohol.
When its suppressed, you have to urinate more often, which can ultimately lead to mild dehydration.
Alcohol can dehydrate you, making it harder for your stool to move through the colon.
How, exactly, does it happen?
Thats not to say you have to give up your nighttime drink.
Just be sure to chase it down with a big glass of water to prevent or minimize constipation-inducing dehydration.
You may fall asleep faster after a drink, but research shows that sleep quality is usually worse.
How does that back you up?
Sleep and digestion are closely linked through your bodys circadian rhythm, says Yakubov.
Theres even research linking sleep difficulties to digestive issues.
Prevents Inflammation
Drinking alcohol can also contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body.
That includes your digestive tract.
You guessed italcohol was considered a pro-inflammatory diet component.
Heres why: After the mood-enhancing mood effects of alcohol wear off, your brain has to readjust.
As a result, you may be left feeling more stressed than you were before drinking.
The National Institutes of Health refers to this condition as mini-withdrawal.
How does this relate to constipation?
Turns out, stress and gut health are intimately linked via a communication superhighway calledthe gut-brain axis.
Youve probably heard that eating more fiber and drinking more water can help get things going.
Of course, were not saying you could never have a nightly cocktail or glass of wine.
Diaz S, Bittar K, Hashmi MF, Mendez MD.Constipation.
StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
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National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohols Effects on Health.
2024;24(1):235. doi:10.1186/s12876-024-03307-7
MedlinePlus.Stress and your health.
MedlinePlus.Soluble vs. insoluble fiber.
National Institutes of Health.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Understanding Alcohol Drinking Patterns.
