Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Hassan Abbas
Why do people have trouble sleeping?
There are many reasons why people have trouble sleeping, including medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes. People may also experience insomnia because of issues with their thyroid or overactive thyroid. Even a change in routine can interfere with sleeping. Other causes of insomnia include pregnancy, mental health disorders, and physical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Insomnia in children and teenagers is also common, and a delayed internal clock may be a factor. Insomnia is a symptom of another disease, such as depression or obstructive sleep apnea. You can also get insomnia from poor sleep habits, circadian rhythm disorders, or even certain medications. Another cause of insomnia is snoring
Foods to avoid before bedtime
It’s not just the time of day when you’re ready to head off to bed. Your dinner and a late-night snack can impact your ability to sleep. Foods to avoid before bedtime include candies, caffeine, and chocolate. These foods may also affect your mood and make you more likely to have trouble sleeping. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try one of these healthy snacks instead. Fats and carbohydrates pass through your body slowly. While they may taste delicious, these foods are not the best choice for your late-night snack. They can interfere with your sleep and increase your cravings for junk food. Avoiding foods that have a high glycemic index should be your number one priority. For the best results, try to eat your largest meal two to three hours before bedtime. Avoid fatty foods like red meat. High-protein meals make it difficult for the body to digest, which can result in insomnia. A small snack before bedtime won’t do you any harm, but avoiding heavy meals before bed will ensure that you have a good night’s sleep. Eat a light meal and you can sleep better.
Drinks to avoid before bedtime
Coffee and soft drinks are another example of beverages to avoid before bedtime , but coffee make me sleepy sometimes. Both contain caffeine and can cause you to feel jittery and irritable. The combination of caffeine and sugar can disrupt your sleep pattern. And it isn’t just coffee and soda that should be avoided before bedtime. Even sugary drinks can cause you to wake up frequently! Caffeine, on the other hand, can help you fall asleep, but the high levels of caffeine will keep you awake. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is a good idea to cut out this drink completely and limit your fluid intake before bedtime. Caffeine stays in the body for several hours after you’ve finished drinking it, affecting your ability to sleep. A great drink to substitute soda or energy drinks before bedtime is plain water. It is low in calories and prevents dehydration, which can interfere with sleep. Furthermore, dehydration increases your risk of constipation and kidney stones.
Foods that help in you sleep
Listed below are some examples of such foods are rich in magnesium, which are:
- Milk—Although calcium-rich dairy products have been linked to better sleep, they also contain melatonin, another sleep-inducing hormone. In addition, drinking warm milk can help you fall asleep. Dried fruit contains magnesium, and a quarter cup of cashews will provide 20 percent of your daily value of this mineral. Other foods that promote better sleep include bananas, avocados, and figs.
- Bananas—Besides being packed with B-complex vitamins, bananas also contain magnesium and potassium, which help the muscles relax and aid in sleep. Furthermore, walnuts are rich in tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin by the brain and induces sleep. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved cardiovascular health, increased cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and reduced depression.
- Kiwi—This small fruit is now grown in several countries. Besides being delicious, it contains melatonin, an amino acid that promotes calm. In addition to kiwifruit, other fruits and vegetables rich in melatonin include oranges, strawberries, and pumpkin seeds. Various sources of tryptophan can influence the ability of the brain to relax and sleep.
Drinks that help in you sleep
Some drinks can help you fall asleep. Malted milk is a good drink to have before bed. It contains zinc, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B, which are all great sleep aids. Valerian root has been used as a sedative for centuries and can be a great aid to sleep. It is said to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness. But, before you head out to buy some, make sure you do some research first. A warm glass of milk has long been recommended for the purpose of sleep. Not only does it provide comfort, but the warm milk also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps induce sleep. Taking green tea is another popular beverage for improving sleep. You can opt for decaffeinated green tea, which has the same effects. Drinks that help in your sleep may include chamomile tea. It is naturally soothing and free of caffeine, which helps you to fall asleep. Some people pair green tea with magnesium supplements to get a better night’s sleep.
Beverages that contain melatonin
Some beverages containing melatonin are caffeine-free, alcoholic, and gluten-free. However, these drinks may contain caffeine, sugar, and carbonation, which may disrupt your sleep. For this reason, soda is generally best avoided three to four hours before bed. Other beverages that contain melatonin include milk and green tea. While you can make a sleep aid drink from milk, it is important to choose a beverage depending on your sleeping problem.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for some good late-night snacks, tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Eat figs, for example, which contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron – all of which are excellent for the brain and help you sleep. Salmon is a particularly good choice as it contains a high amount of this amino acid.
Read more: How can you show some health benefits of banana chips?
