No, we are not talking about a wooly hat pulled low on our heads to keep our brains warm at night. We’re talking about another type of sleep strategy which, last month, according to the National Sleep Foundation, over 35 million Americans tried yet again: the use of alcohol as an aid in inducing sleep.

Research performed in sleep laboratories confirms what most of us know from experience: It’s often easier to fall asleep with a few drinks in our bellies. What’s the harm, then, with “one more for the Sandman?”

Before you pour that last glass of wine, take a look at these statistics—gathered from the Sleep Foundation’s 1999 Omnibus “Sleep in America Poll” and consider whether you really want to become part of them.

64% of those who often or always use alcohol to help them sleep reported that they woke up frequently during the night a few nights a week or more, compared to 32% of those who never use alcohol as a sleep aid.

64% of those who often or always use alcohol to help them sleep reported awakening unrefreshed a few times a week or more, while 36% of those who never use alcohol for sleep reported awakening unrefreshed.

46% of those who often or always use alcohol to help them sleep reported that they frequently woke too early and could not get back to sleep a few nights a week or more, compared to 22% of those who never use alcohol as a sleep aid.

28% of those who often or always use alcohol to help them sleep versus 17% of those who never use alcohol for sleep experienced daytime sleepiness that interfered with their daily activities a few days a week or more.

52% of those who often or always use alcohol to help them sleep versus 11% of those who never use alcohol for sleep experienced symptoms of sleep apnea a few nights a week or more.

28% of those who often or always use alcohol to help them sleep versus 13% of those who never use alcohol for sleep experienced symptoms of restless legs syndrome a few nights a week or more.

What’s the moral? Alcohol is not the drug of choice for sleep. In truth, they don’t mix at all. The numbers prove it.

Before you pour that last drink—stop—and replace it with a glass of water. In the morning, you’ll be glad you did.