Why does red wine make me sleepy but not white?

October 19, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Sleep Foundation, nearly 90% of regular evening alcohol drinkers report at least one sleep problem, but many people perceive a distinct difference between wine types. The primary reason for this lies in the unique production processes and chemical composition, which explains why does red wine make me sleepy but not white.

Quick Summary

Red wine's sedative effect is attributed to higher alcohol content and naturally occurring melatonin and tannins extracted from grape skins during fermentation. White wine, fermented without skin contact, lacks these compounds, resulting in a less pronounced drowsy effect. Both can disrupt overall sleep quality.

Key Points

Melatonin and Tannins: Red wine's fermentation with grape skins extracts melatonin and tannins, which contribute to its sedative effect, unlike white wine which is fermented without skin contact.
Higher Alcohol Content: The typically higher alcohol by volume (ABV) in red wine provides a stronger central nervous system depressant effect compared to white wine.
GABA Activation: All alcohol increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that produces a calming, drowsy effect on the brain.
Poor Sleep Quality: Despite inducing initial drowsiness, alcohol disrupts the natural sleep cycle, particularly REM sleep, leading to lower-quality rest and morning grogginess.
Individual Factors: Personal sensitivity to compounds like histamines in red wine can also influence the perceived feeling of sleepiness.
Winemaking Process: The fundamental difference in fermentation methods—red with skins, white without—is the root cause of the chemical distinctions that produce the varying effects.
Not a Sleep Aid: Health experts do not recommend using any wine as a sleep aid, as its negative long-term effects on sleep quality outweigh any initial calming benefits.

The Sedative Effect of Alcohol: The Common Denominator

Before delving into the specific differences between red and white wine, it's crucial to understand the fundamental role of alcohol. Ethanol, the alcohol in all wine, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means it slows down brain activity, which can induce feelings of relaxation and drowsiness shortly after consumption. Alcohol achieves this by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain. However, this initial sedative effect is misleading. While it can help you fall asleep faster, alcohol is known to disrupt sleep cycles later in the night, particularly suppressing REM sleep. This can lead to fragmented sleep and cause you to wake up feeling groggy, regardless of the type of wine consumed.

The Crucial Role of Winemaking Techniques

The most significant factor differentiating the sleepy effect of red versus white wine lies in their production methods. The defining distinction is whether the grape skins are included during the fermentation process.

Red Wine Production

In red winemaking, the crushed grapes, including the skins and seeds, are left to ferment with the juice for an extended period. This process is known as maceration. The prolonged contact allows for the extraction of a range of compounds from the skins, including:

Melatonin: This is the hormone your body produces naturally to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Italian researchers have found that the skins of red wine grapes contain naturally occurring melatonin. While the amount is far lower than in a typical supplement, it contributes to the overall sedative effect.
Tannins: These are phenolic compounds that give red wine its characteristic astringent or dry mouthfeel. Tannins are extracted from the skins, seeds, and stems and can influence how your body processes the wine, potentially contributing to relaxation.
Anthocyanins: These are the pigments responsible for red wine's color and possess antioxidant properties.

White Wine Production

In contrast, white wine is typically made by pressing the grapes and separating the juice from the skins and seeds before fermentation begins. This minimizes skin contact and prevents the extraction of melatonin, tannins, and color. As a result, white wines have a significantly lower concentration of these sleep-inducing and tannin-related compounds, even if made from red grapes (like in a "Blanc de Noirs"). Any drowsiness experienced from white wine is almost solely due to the alcohol content alone.

Comparing Red vs. White Wine's Drowsy Effects


Feature	Red Wine	White Wine
Grape Skin Contact	Yes, during fermentation (maceration).	No, skins are removed before fermentation.
Melatonin Content	Higher levels from prolonged skin contact.	Lower, almost negligible levels.
Tannins	Present, giving a drying sensation; extracted from skins.	Generally absent or in trace amounts.
Average ABV	Typically higher (12-15%).	Typically lower (10-13%).
Chemical Profile	Richer in polyphenols, anthocyanins, and other compounds from the skin.	Less complex, fewer compounds extracted from skin.
Primary Sedative Factors	Alcohol, melatonin, and possibly tannins.	Primarily alcohol.

Higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in Red Wine

Another simple yet powerful reason for the difference in perceived sleepiness is the average alcohol content. Red wines tend to have a higher ABV compared to white wines. The riper, darker grapes used for reds have more sugar, which the yeast converts into alcohol during fermentation. This higher concentration of alcohol provides a more potent sedative effect on the central nervous system, which can contribute to a stronger and quicker onset of drowsiness. A typical red wine may hover around 13-15% ABV, while many white wines are closer to 10-13% ABV. While this difference might seem small, the impact on your body can be noticeable.

The Role of Histamines and Individual Sensitivities

Beyond the primary factors, some individuals are sensitive to histamines, which are found in higher concentrations in red wine. Histamines are chemical compounds produced during the winemaking process and can trigger inflammatory responses in some people, including flushing, headaches, and nasal congestion, which may affect overall comfort and how tired you feel. While not directly sleep-inducing, a histamine-related reaction can contribute to a feeling of being unwell, which might be perceived as fatigue.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the sensation of red wine making you sleepier than white wine is a cumulative effect of several distinct chemical differences. The most significant factor is the presence of melatonin and tannins, which are extracted from the grape skins during red wine's unique fermentation process but are absent in white wine. This is compounded by the typically higher alcohol content found in red wine, providing a stronger central nervous system depressant effect. While the initial drowsiness might feel pleasant, it is important to remember that alcohol, regardless of the type, disrupts overall sleep quality and should not be used as a sleep aid. Understanding these chemical distinctions allows for a more informed enjoyment of both red and white wines, appreciating the specific physiological response each one can produce. For more on how these compounds function, consult scholarly resources like the National Institutes of Health.

How Your Perception Influences Sleepiness

Finally, psychological and behavioral factors cannot be entirely dismissed. The setting in which red wine is typically consumed—often a relaxing dinner, a quiet evening at home, or a social gathering—can set the stage for unwinding and feeling drowsy. White wine, on the other hand, is often associated with more lively, celebratory occasions or lighter meals. The act of relaxing and the expectation of feeling tired after a glass of red can become a self-fulfilling prophecy for many, demonstrating that the mind can also play a role in influencing your body's response.

What to Keep in Mind

Higher ABV: Red wines typically contain more alcohol by volume, resulting in a stronger sedative effect.
Skin Contact: The fermentation process for red wine includes prolonged contact with grape skins, which are rich in sleep-regulating melatonin.
Tannins and Compounds: Tannins, along with other polyphenols extracted from red grape skins, influence the body's response and contribute to a more complex physiological effect.
Alcohol Disrupts Sleep: The initial drowsiness from both red and white wine is often followed by disrupted sleep patterns and reduced REM sleep later in the night.
Personal Sensitivity: Individual factors, including sensitivity to histamines, can influence how tired you feel after drinking red wine.

By understanding these differences, you can better predict how a particular wine might affect you and make more informed choices for a restful night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, red wine does contain melatonin, which is naturally present in grape skins. During the winemaking process for red wine, the skins and seeds are left in contact with the fermenting juice, allowing for the extraction of this sleep-regulating hormone.

While red wine contains melatonin, the amount is very small compared to a medicinal supplement. It contributes to the overall sedative effect but is not the sole reason for sleepiness, which is primarily driven by the alcohol content.

White wines don't have the same effect because they are fermented without the grape skins. The skins contain the melatonin and tannins that contribute to the sedative effect, so without them, the white wine lacks these compounds.

Yes, tannins are another compound present in red wine that may play a role. While their primary effect is the drying sensation in your mouth, they are also polyphenols extracted from grape skins during fermentation, which some research suggests can contribute to relaxation.

On average, red wines tend to have a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) than white wines. The higher ABV contributes to a stronger sedative effect on the central nervous system, increasing feelings of drowsiness.

No, health experts do not recommend drinking wine for sleep. While it may initially help you feel drowsy, alcohol ultimately disrupts the quality of your sleep, particularly suppressing REM sleep, leading to fragmented rest and grogginess the next day.

To minimize sleepiness, you can try several strategies: drink in moderation, consume your last drink several hours before bedtime, stay hydrated by drinking water, and eat a meal before or during consumption to slow alcohol absorption.