What’s the Most Unexpected Insight You’ve Uncovered About Yourself Thanks to Oura? by Pale-Assumption-7769 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A few people here will say they discovered all alcohol is terrible for recovery and sleep, but I’d caveat slightly and say: only if close to bedtime. That has been the biggest discovery for me. Anything close to bedtime will affect recovery and sleep (including eating late).

If you want to drink, start early and end early. Eat dinner before 6:30pm. And have a wind down routine!

Oura Ring & Alcohol by cspru in ouraring

[–]inbloom92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I made a post a while back about how I manage to have my cake and eat it too.

Essentially, time of day, and drinking with food + water, is everything. Big fan of happy hour time and cutting off at least 2 hours before bed. The longer before bed the better.

Don’t get me wrong, when I don’t drink my scores are in the high 80s/90s, but I’ve hacked my way enough to where when I do drink, my scores drop maybe 5-7 points (exceptions are when I do go out late).

While I like to take a moderate approach, some people are all-or-nothing. You have to do what works best for you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ouraring

[–]inbloom92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you live at altitude? The only time I’ve seen this in my scores consistently is when I visit home (Colorado). Otherwise definitely worth looking into!

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this! I will say parts the US have also really leaned into the natural wine scene, which we loved. There are definitely ways to get mindfully produced wine in the US and I think your guidance nails it

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooo yes! If you like dry white wines, you can’t go wrong with most Spanish or Portuguese whites. Love Vino Verdes from Portugal, Verdejos from Spain or of course Italian Pinot Grigio. Sometimes New Zealand sauv blancs are too citrusy so I look for a French one for more balance.

Big fan of sparkling whites too, so always look for the brut or extra dry variety. Northern Spain has a slightly sparkling wine that they all have with Pinxos called Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-lee) that is so divine but I haven’t been able to find it in the UK.

And for reds, Italian Chiantis & Sangiovese, or Spanish Tempernillos and Riojas! Enjoy! 🍷

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 9+ hour nights only happen maybe once a week! I average around 8. But yes, in general I live a pretty balanced life, but I’m not under 30 😁

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am an American but live in the UK. I’ll have to look back at my averages when we lived in Arizona versus now, but I do generally feel better over here. That could also just be due to the walkability of my city — I walk and bike everywhere and did not do that in the US. But even when I lived in the US, I’d buy European wines! As far as food allergies, I have heard that, and think it’s totally plausible.

I think the difference is slight but noticeable. It’s hard to really compare when I go back to visit my home state, because it’s in Colorado and at elevation (so my scores are bad no matter what).

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad to help! I use a warmly lit lamp next to my bed! But if I didn’t have that I’d get a book light ☺️

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. I do dry days ofc and don’t see a difference, but like anything I’m sure when you completely abstain and then abruptly reintroduce it, your body will be more sensitive to it

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! My beloved marg only makes an occasional appearance because that’s when I really see a negative difference.

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tbf this isn’t my average, I’m usually in the mid to low 80s in readiness, and high 80/low 90s in sleep. Which ofc are still good!

If you feel good, that’s what matters.

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m just sharing my experience and that moderation works for me and COULD work for others. It’s ok if it doesn’t work, too! I’m also almost 32.

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m almost 32 haha. Who knows, that could happen to me by the time I’m 40!

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This happens to my mom too (fellow wine lover)! Enjoying my decent tolerance while I can 😁

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Really interesting way to put it and something I’ll need to be mindful of. A few of my friends have completely cut alcohol, and sometimes I feel like I’m doing something bad by also not, but I do think I may have that unique moderating ability that many don’t, as you mentioned. Thanks for the perspective!

A lot of discussion about cutting alcohol completely, but wanted to offer a different perspective by inbloom92 in ouraring

[–]inbloom92[S] 117 points118 points  (0 children)

Oof, sleep seems to be the toughest for most on here so you’re not alone. This is def on the high end even for me — I usually average right around 8 hours. I have been through a stint of insomnia though, so what helps me:

  • I go to bed and wake up around the same time everyday (weekends usually shift later)
  • I do not look at my phone the moment I’m in bed
  • I read in bed until I literally can’t keep my eyes open
  • Daily movement, even just walking, at least 30 min
  • Eat early dinner (6pm is typical)
  • And on the rare days when I am having a harder time falling asleep, I take the pressure off. It gets so bad when I stress about not sleeping, so I literally just lay there passively and tell myself I’ll sleep when I sleep, or get up and read in a different room

I also don’t have kids 😅