Is Your Sleep Being Interrupted by What you are Eating

When your sleep is constantly disrupted or you’re unable to fall asleep with ease, certain foods and drinks may be the reason your slumber is interrupted. We know those who report between six to eight hours of sleep are likely to experience overall health and well being. It is also true that diet can have an indirect effect on your sleep. So are there differences in the diets of people who sleep shorter or longer hours, or in those that have standard sleep patterns? There are a number of solutions to rest more soundly. Be aware of the affects the following foods and drinks may have on sleep.

Stay Away from These Food and Drinks

• Caffeine in soda, coffee, some teas, and chocolate will interrupt your sleep if eaten within four hours of bedtime. The amount of caffeine per product varies.
• Any alcoholic drink can make you drowsy but the sugar can disrupt your sleep. It can reduce your REM sleep, causing you to sleep shallow and awaken throughout the night. Alcohol also creates bags under your eyes.
• Sugary treats eaten before bed can raise your body temperature, leaving you restless. Every form of sugar can interrupt your sleep if you have too much of it. Sugar creates a blood sugar high, followed by “the crash.” The crash happens when you experience a reduction in your energy level, leaving you fatigued.

If you need to eat or drink before bed, choose snacks that provide their own sedative effect.

Foods to Improve Your Sleep

• Eat more plant foods that provide carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and beans. Create a sleep-inducing drink by juicing lettuce leaves and adding a squeeze of lemon.
• Other good food sources are pasta, brown rice and oatmeal. These contain serotonin that will help you sleep.
• A soothing beverage to drink before bedtime is warm milk or herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint. Mandarin juice is also a good source, as it contains bromine, which is calming.

Share with us what foods have interrupted your sleep and what your solutions are to increase your sleep performance. We would love to hear your comments.