For many, pouring a glass of wine, beer or other alcoholic drink has become synonymous with ‘clocking off’ for the day. The start of the evening unwind, with the perception that alcohol takes the edge off any stresses that have come before it.
But does alcohol actually help you relax?
The reality is that it’s a sedative. The short term effects include slowing down the brain and relaxing the muscles. Making you feel less anxious and more confident. So far… so good.
However if you’ve ever woken up with a bit of a fuzzy head and a dry mouth, perhaps you’re wondering if there’s a better way to unwind.
We now know more than ever about sleep quality, and whilst that glass of wine might help you nod off more easily, it can also disrupt your sleep ‘architecture’. So in trying to relax, the likelihood is that you’ll spend less time in REM sleep and wake up feeling a whole lot less rested the following day.
So what’s the best way forward?
It’s universally accepted that we should mark the moment when we switch off the laptop and move from ‘work’ mode to ‘play’. But how to create that moment of relaxation, whilst still feeling tip-top the following day?
The great news is that the non alcoholic drinks market has come on in leaps and bounds over recent years. No longer do moderators, non drinkers and the designated driver have to settle for a high-sugar soft drink, or a watery, unsatisfying non-alc beer… Or more depressing still, a boring old glass of water.
Welcome to the world of non alcoholic drinks for grown-ups.
Bemuse’s gently effervescent honey wines have been praised by some of the industry’s top critics for their complexity. They are made to be drunk from a proper wine glass (we often opt for a flute) whilst also offering the depth of flavour to accompany a meal.
Our wines also make for a great cocktail base. And indeed what could be more calming than slowing down to mix a drink which has heaps of health benefits, AND won’t hold you back the following day.
Keen to try us out? This Sober October save 15% across the full range with code SOBER15.
