Although alcohol sometimes helps to induce sleep, it actually prevents you from getting a full night’s rest. And its effects last longer than you might think. Drinking in the afternoon can interfere with your sleep that night. Moderation and timing are keys to minimizing the sleep-robbing effects of alcohol. Here are some tips for minimizing alcohol’s negative effects on sleep.

2. Drink in moderation. Don't go overboard. Limit yourself to one or two drinks. (One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.)

3. Go slow. Limit yourself to one drink per hour.

4. Stick to your schedule. Try not to stay up hours past your regular bedtime. You'll just add to your sleep deprivation.

5. Alternate with water. To prevent dehydration, drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol. Follow up with more water in the morning.

6. Be honest. Take stock of your drinking habits. Are they getting in the way of healthy sleep?