Dealing with a drunk friend can be a challenge—especially when they’re wide awake, emotional, or ready to party all night. If you’ve ever been in that situation, you know how tricky it is to convince a drunk person to go to sleep without causing drama or making things worse. This guide gives you 30 smart, calm, and effective ways to help someone rest safely after drinking too much.
These tips are not only practical and safe, but also written to help you handle such moments with patience, empathy, and responsibility—ensuring the person rests peacefully and avoids hangover trouble the next day.
Another or Professional Way to Say “Convince a Drunk Person to Go to Sleep”
- Offer Them a Comfortable Place to Lie Down
- Use Gentle Persuasion, Not Force
- Play Soothing Music
- Dim the Lights Around Them
- Give Them a Glass of Water
- Avoid Arguments or Jokes About Their State
- Guide Them Physically but Gently
- Keep the Room Cool and Quiet
- Reassure Them They’re Safe
- Offer a Snack Before Bed
- Avoid Letting Them Sleep on Their Back
- Use Humor Lightly to Redirect
- Offer to Stay Until They Fall Asleep
- Avoid Letting Them Keep Drinking
- Encourage Breathing Deeply
- Talk About Tomorrow’s Plans
- Avoid Loud Noises or TV
- Use Calm Body Language
- Offer a Warm Blanket
- Avoid Making Them Feel Guilty
- Give Them Space to Settle
- Help Them Remove Tight Clothing
- Offer a Cold Compress
- Keep the Bathroom Accessible
- Avoid Crowding Them
- Stay Alert for Breathing Irregularities
- Speak Their Name Gently
- Avoid Strong Smells or Lights
- Let Them Keep a Water Bottle Nearby
- Check on Them Periodically
1. Offer Them a Comfortable Place to Lie Down
Sometimes all a drunk person needs is comfort. Tell them you’ve made a cozy spot ready just for them—fluffed pillow, blanket, and dim lights. They’ll likely relax once they see a place prepared with care.
Example: “Hey, your spot’s ready. Let’s get you comfy so you can rest.”
Best Use: When they seem tired but resist going to bed out of pride or confusion.
2. Use Gentle Persuasion, Not Force
Yelling never works with someone intoxicated. Instead, speak softly, keep eye contact, and stay calm. Alcohol slows reasoning, so kindness works better than confrontation.
Example: “I think you’ll feel much better once you get some rest.”
Best Use: When they’re emotional or defensive but not aggressive.
3. Play Soothing Music
Soft tunes can help create a peaceful vibe. A calm playlist with acoustic or chill music encourages relaxation and makes them naturally sleepy.
Example: “Let’s put on something mellow—you’ll be asleep in no time.”
Best Use: When the person is restless or overtalkative.
4. Dim the Lights Around Them
Lower lighting tells the body it’s time to rest. A dim room helps their brain slow down, making it easier to drift off even if they’re tipsy.
Example: “Let’s turn down these lights; they’re too bright for sleeping.”
Best Use: When they’re overstimulated or talking loudly.
5. Give Them a Glass of Water
Hydration is key. Alcohol dehydrates the body, and a simple glass of water can calm their system, reduce dizziness, and signal rest.
Example: “Here, drink some water before you lie down—it’ll help.”
Best Use: When they seem lightheaded or thirsty.
6. Avoid Arguments or Jokes About Their State
Drunk people are sensitive. Making jokes or teasing them keeps them awake. Use neutral and kind words to maintain calmness.
Example: “You’ve had a fun night—now let’s get you some rest, okay?”
Best Use: When they feel embarrassed or defensive.
7. Guide Them Physically but Gently
Sometimes they just need a little direction. Offer a hand, walk beside them, and keep your tone friendly and light.
Example: “Come on, I’ll help you to the couch.”
Best Use: When they’re staggering or confused.
8. Keep the Room Cool and Quiet
A fresh, slightly cool room promotes sleep. Loud sounds or heat can make a drunk person more restless.
Example: “Let’s cool this place down; you’ll sleep better that way.”
Best Use: When they’re sweating or fidgeting.
9. Reassure Them They’re Safe
Many people resist sleep because they feel unsafe. Tell them you’ll stay close and everything’s okay.
Example: “I’m right here. You can sleep without worry.”
Best Use: When they seem anxious or scared.
10. Offer a Snack Before Bed
A small snack can balance their blood sugar, reducing nausea or restlessness. Avoid heavy food—opt for toast or crackers.
Example: “Eat a bit before you rest; it’ll settle your stomach.”
Best Use: When they’re hungry or queasy.
11. Avoid Letting Them Sleep on Their Back
This one’s about safety. Sleeping on their back increases the risk of choking if they vomit. Help them lie on their side gently.
Example: “Let’s turn you a bit—it’s safer that way.”
Best Use: When they’re heavily intoxicated.
12. Use Humor Lightly to Redirect
If they’re being stubborn, gentle humor can help ease tension. Avoid sarcasm—keep it friendly and lighthearted.
Example: “You can’t win a sleep marathon standing up!”
Best Use: When they’re being playful but not aggressive.
13. Offer to Stay Until They Fall Asleep
Some people fear being alone. Assure them you’ll stay nearby for a few minutes. That comfort often helps them relax.
Example: “I’ll stay right here until you’re asleep.”
Best Use: When they’re clingy or emotional.
14. Avoid Letting Them Keep Drinking
You can’t reason with someone who’s still pouring shots. Gently remove the bottle and redirect their attention.
Example: “Let’s save the rest for tomorrow. You’ll thank yourself.”
Best Use: When they reach for another drink.
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15. Encourage Breathing Deeply
Slow, deep breaths calm the nervous system. Guide them by breathing along.
Example: “Let’s take a few deep breaths together, then rest.”
Best Use: When they’re anxious or hyper.
16. Talk About Tomorrow’s Plans
Shift focus to something positive tomorrow. It gives them a reason to rest now.
Example: “We’ve got breakfast plans—you’ll need your energy.”
Best Use: When they resist sleep due to excitement.
17. Avoid Loud Noises or TV
Keep the environment peaceful. Turn off blaring music or TV shows. Silence helps a drowsy mind settle.
Example: “Let’s turn this off—it’s too loud for resting.”
Best Use: When background noise is keeping them awake.
18. Use Calm Body Language
Your posture matters. Stay relaxed and composed—your calmness helps theirs.
Example: “It’s all good. Just lie down, I’ve got everything handled.”
Best Use: When they’re reading your energy.
19. Offer a Warm Blanket
Warmth makes the body relax. Cover them up, and they’ll likely stop fighting sleep.
Example: “Here, this blanket will make you cozy.”
Best Use: When they’re shivering or restless.
20. Avoid Making Them Feel Guilty
Drunk guilt kills relaxation. Don’t lecture them; it won’t work. Save serious talks for the morning.
Example: “We’ll talk later—just rest now.”
Best Use: When they’re apologizing or emotional.
21. Give Them Space to Settle
After guiding them, leave them alone for a few minutes. Sometimes quiet solitude is what they need to finally drift off.
Example: “I’ll give you some space to rest.”
Best Use: When they’re tired but talkative.
22. Help Them Remove Tight Clothing
A tight shirt or belt can make sleeping uncomfortable. Help them change into something loose and soft.
Example: “Let’s get you comfortable before bed.”
Best Use: When they complain about discomfort.
23. Offer a Cold Compress
A cool cloth on the forehead helps ease dizziness and nausea. It’s a small gesture that promotes comfort.
Example: “Here, this will help your head feel better.”
Best Use: When they’re woozy or overheated.
24. Keep the Bathroom Accessible
Drunk people may wake up nauseous. Make sure they can reach the bathroom easily and safely.
Example: “Leave the light on here—you’ll find it if you need it.”
Best Use: When they’ve drunk heavily or complain of nausea.
25. Avoid Crowding Them
Too many people around creates confusion and noise. One calm person should take charge.
Example: “Everyone, give them a little space to rest.”
Best Use: When multiple people are trying to help.
26. Stay Alert for Breathing Irregularities
Safety first—watch for slow or irregular breathing. If something feels off, call for help immediately.
Example: “Let’s keep an eye just in case—they’ll be fine.”
Best Use: When they’re deeply intoxicated or unresponsive.
27. Speak Their Name Gently
Using their name brings comfort and attention. It reminds them they’re safe and cared for.
Example: “Hey, Alex, you’re okay—let’s rest now.”
Best Use: When they’re drifting between wake and sleep.
28. Avoid Strong Smells or Lights
Perfumes, food smells, or bright screens can worsen nausea. Keep the environment clean and dim.
Example: “Let’s turn this light off; it’s hurting your eyes.”
Best Use: When they’re sensitive or queasy.
29. Let Them Keep a Water Bottle Nearby
They’ll likely wake up thirsty. Keep water within reach to prevent dizziness or dehydration.
Example: “Here’s your bottle—keep it next to you.”
Best Use: When you’re about to leave them to sleep.
30. Check on Them Periodically
Even after they fall asleep, monitor them every 30–60 minutes. Make sure they’re breathing normally and not vomiting.
Example: “They’re out cold but I’ll keep checking in.”
Best Use: When they’re very drunk and sleeping deeply.
Conclusion
Knowing how to convince a drunk person to go to sleep can make all the difference between a rough night and a safe one. It’s about patience, empathy, and awareness—not force or frustration. Keep calm, create comfort, and ensure their safety above all.
A caring approach not only helps them rest but shows true friendship. Remember: the goal is not just sleep—it’s safety, comfort, and peace.
FAQs
Q1. What should I never do when helping a drunk person sleep?
Never let them lie on their back or leave them completely alone if they’re very intoxicated.
Q2. Is it safe to give them coffee or energy drinks?
No. Caffeine dehydrates the body further and can make things worse.
Q3. What’s the best sleeping position for a drunk person?
On their side, with head slightly elevated—to prevent choking.
Q4. How can I tell if someone needs medical help?
If they’re unresponsive, have bluish skin, or slow breathing, call emergency services immediately.
Q5. What should they do the next morning?
Drink water, rest, and eat light meals to recover safely.
