I'm 55. About 10 years ago I noticed if I drank alcohol less than two hours before bed I would wake up within two hours of falling asleep. The same goes for ice cream. The problem, I believe is sugar.

In my 30s I settled on a one-drink per hour rule. This kept me sober and sharp and avoided hangovers. In my 40s it became a one drink a night rule, as two drinks, even two hours apart, would lead to a head-ache.

In my 40s I also gave up wine, as most wine would give me sinus problems. I also averaged about one drink a week. In the last few years I have broken the two-drink a night rule and half the time I'd have a mild hangover the next morning.

I'm now 55. We've had some challenging and upsetting health issues in the family. I find I drink more often, maybe 3-4 nights a week. However, I will pour half the liquor I used to, and sip on it longer. With beer, I'll drink 10-12 ounces of 3.3% beer, but a good strong 7% IPA or stout, and I won't finish the bottle.

After 25 or so I stopped enjoying getting drunk or feeling out of control. And nowadays the more alcohol the closer to bed time, the more interrupted sleep.

It helps that my wife rarely drinks.

But for the last two and a half years, the main factor that limits my drinking is that I am always "on call" with regard to the family health issues. I may get a call at anytime, anywhere and have to be available, alert, adult and responsible. And I love my family more than I love alcohol, and fortunately I have the self control needed. I understand that others have genetic predispositions to alcohol addiction, I consider myself fortunate to not have that issue, and I have seen and appreciate how difficult it is for some others who do.


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