Sleep and How It’s Affected by the Food You Eat

by Jeremy Jackson on 2010/01/30

You probably know by yourself that after you had a good night sleep you feel much better and have more energy. Having a good sleep is important for your body as well and for its health also. You should know that foods you eat can have an impact on your sleep, some on them improve it and some oppositely, can distract it and make your rest impossible.

Products that help you with you sleep include green leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals and whole grain breads, mushrooms. Also spices you add to your food can improve your sleep; dill, sage and basil for example.

Probably you remember the days when your parents put you to bed with a glass of warm milk. It was done with a reason. Milk can help you sleep better because it's rich in tryptophan that helps in creating serotonin, a hormone that controls sleep.

Apart from milk tryptophan can be found in products such as honey, turkey, egg whites and tuna, which are considered to be the sleep improving snacks.

Caffeine is what you should avoid before your bedtime. This stimulant can help you in the morning to wake up quicker but it's not good if you're trying to fall asleep. Chocolate, coffee, tea, soft drinks, cocoa all contain caffeine so these products better leave for the next day.

Another substance called tyramine should be avoided. Foods like as bacon, cheese, sugar, ham and tomatoes contain it in large amounts so avoid them.

Also spicy foods are not recommended straight before your night sleep. Indigestion and heartburn caused by them could affect your sleep negatively. Alcohol also should be avoided. First impression is that after taking it you feel sleepy, but sleep usually is disturbed by frequent walks to toilet and thirst.

Remember that the amount of food before you go to sleep also has an effect on your sleep. Keep your last meal light to avoid indigestion, heartburn and general discomfort which all can make your sleep disturbed.

Additionally, to improve your sleep you can take vitamins and supplements. Supplements that include vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, magnesium and valerian should help you.

As you can see that eating affect you sleep. Having a good sleep is important to be healthy and feel good so change your eating habits to have a better sleep.

Find out also how to lose weight quickly and which is the top rated diet pill.


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