In a recent tragic incident, a 65-year-old man passed away in his sleep around 11 PM. What seemed like a peaceful end was later linked to a surprising and often overlooked cause: his nighttime drinking habits. While hydration is important for health, not all drinks are safe before bedtime—especially for older adults or those with underlying health conditions. Doctors have now issued a clear warning: no matter how thirsty you are, avoid these four types of beverages before going to sleep. Your life may depend on it.

1. Energy Drinks and Caffeinated Beverages

Most people know that caffeine can disturb sleep, but few realize just how harmful it can be before bed—especially in older adults. Drinks like coffee, energy drinks, and even some teas and sodas contain caffeine, a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure. Consuming caffeine late in the evening can cause heart palpitations, insomnia, and anxiety. For someone with hidden cardiovascular issues, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke during the night. In the case of the 65-year-old man, doctors suspect that a strong iced coffee consumed after dinner may have triggered a fatal arrhythmia.

2. Alcohol

Many people believe a glass of wine or a small drink can help them relax and fall asleep faster. While alcohol can induce drowsiness, it also interferes with the quality of deep sleep and puts strain on the liver and heart. More dangerously, alcohol can suppress the central nervous system during sleep, increasing the risk of breathing problems—especially in people with sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions. Studies also show that nighttime drinking raises the chance of sudden cardiac events in older adults. Doctors strongly advise avoiding alcohol at least 3-4 hours before bedtime.

3. Sugary or Sweetened Drinks

Fruit juices, sodas, or sweetened milk drinks may seem harmless, but they can quietly wreak havoc on your body overnight. These beverages cause a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a drop during the night, potentially disrupting sleep and putting stress on the pancreas. For people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, this can be particularly dangerous. Additionally, sugary drinks stimulate the kidneys, leading to more frequent urination during the night, disrupting sleep cycles and increasing the risk of dehydration. The man in the case reportedly had a sweet fruit smoothie before bed, not knowing it would impact his already fragile blood sugar levels.

4. Cold Water or Ice-Cold Drinks

Surprisingly, cold water—especially when consumed quickly right before bed—can trigger cardiovascular reactions in sensitive individuals. When cold water enters the body, it can cause the blood vessels to constrict, affecting circulation and potentially putting stress on the heart. For elderly people, this can be enough to cause chest tightness or even heart failure if there are existing heart conditions. Doctors recommend drinking room temperature water in moderate amounts before bed, and only if needed.

Protecting Your Health at Night

Sleep is a time when the body repairs itself, but the wrong drinking habits can turn it into a dangerous period. Doctors emphasize the importance of being mindful about what you drink in the evening. Instead of these harmful beverages, choose lukewarm water or herbal teas like chamomile, which promote relaxation and pose no risk to heart or metabolic health.

The sad passing of the 65-year-old man serves as a powerful reminder that small choices—like what we drink—can have life-or-death consequences. Let this be a wake-up call to all of us: listen to your body, respect your limits, and treat nighttime as a time for healing, not risk.