Hi everyone, I wanted to share something I learned the hard way recently. For years, I’ve had a habit of enjoying a small glass of red wine or a scotch before bed. I always thought it helped me relax and drift off, especially when the tingling in my feet was acting up. I figured if I was “numbed” a bit, I’d sleep better.
Well, my neurologist finally set me straight. It turns out that even a small amount of alcohol can be a neurotoxin, especially if your nerves are already struggling. Instead of helping me sleep, it was actually dehydrating my system and causing more inflammation overnight. Once I cut it out, the “electric shocks” I get at 3 AM started to quiet down significantly.
It’s such a common habit for our generation to have a little nightcap, but we might be accidentally sabotaging our own recovery. Have any of you noticed a difference after cutting back on the spirits? It was a tough change for me, but my feet are definitely thanking me now.
14 Likes
I had no idea! I usually have a beer while watching the evening news. I’ll have to try skipping it for a week and see what happens.
3 Likes
My doctor told me the same thing last year. Alcohol interferes with B-vitamin absorption, which is already a huge problem for those of us with neuropathy. It’s a double whammy.
8 Likes
It’s hard to give up those little comforts, isn’t it? But if it stops the burning sensation, it’s worth it.
2 Likes
I made this change a few months ago. I also started taking a supplement called Nervala which has benfotiamine and high-dose lipoic acid. Between cutting the alcohol and adding that support, my nightly flares have almost disappeared. It really is about attacking it from all lifestyle angles.
12 Likes
Is it just the alcohol or the sugar in the wine too? I notice my feet scream if I eat dessert.
5 Likes
Great post, Mick. Very relatable.
1 Like
I switched to herbal tea (chamomile or lemon balm) about an hour before bed. It gives me that ‘ritual’ of relaxing without the toxic effect on my peripheral nerves. It took about two weeks to really notice the difference in the morning stiffness though, so be patient if you try it.
9 Likes
Does this apply to just one glass? I only have one 4oz pour of red wine with dinner.
2 Likes
Barb, for some people, even that small amount can trigger a flare. Everyone’s threshold is different. I’d try a ‘dry’ week just to test your baseline.
6 Likes
I noticed the same thing with my gin and tonics. The tonic water has sugar too, which makes it worse. I feel much better now that I’ve switched to flavored seltzer.
4 Likes
This is the kind of practical advice I come here for. Thank you for being so honest about the struggle.
3 Likes
I stopped drinking entirely five years ago when my diagnosis came in. It didn’t cure me, but it certainly lowered the volume on the pain.
11 Likes
It’s all about managing the inflammation. Alcohol is basically fuel for the fire. Thanks for the reminder, Mick!
4 Likes