Even though you might have had a luxurious sleep before, you’re now suddenly counting sheep and doing everything it comes to your mind in order to fall asleep. Well, don’t be surprised as you’re not the only one with this problem.
Today’s busy lifestyle and increased stress have made this problem one of the most common ones among people of different ages. So, although you may not have the power to predict and avoid stressful situations, there’s one thing you can do to prevent or reduce the number of your sleepless nights.
We talk about altering your diet so that you avoid eating certain foods before going to bed. These foods and beverages interfere with your sleep, causing insomnia.
7 Foods and Beverages to Avoid
1. Alcohol
A lot of people have the habit of consuming one or two drinks before bed, just to relax and thus get some good sleep. But, alcohol can trick you. Although it first relaxes you and makes you kind of sleepy, once digested it’ll stimulate your brain. So, even though you might fall asleep easily after having a drink or two, you’ll wake up after only a few hours, which is far less than a night of adequate sleep.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, as well as tomato-based soups, and tomato sauces, can be hard on our digestive system, especially when eaten a few hours before going to bed. This veggie causes acid reflux, an unpleasant burning sensation that only worsens when in a lying position – like when you try to sleep.
That’s why consuming tomatoes before bedtime is not a smart move, especially if you’re dealing with insomnia.
3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
This flavor enhancer is usually added to Chinese food, soups, canned vegetables, and processed meats. It has stimulating effects on the brain which exacerbate as you age. Aging makes the blood-brain barrier more porous, and this, in turn, increases the response to Monosodium Glutamate. So, even though you might have had no problem with this diet in your 20s, it might be the reason for your sleepless nights in your 50s.
4. Sugar
Sugar stimulates your brain, making it extremely active. So, if you eat sugary foods before bed, or even in the late afternoon, you’ll be pretty hyped up before bedtime, which is not something you want.
Furthermore, if your diet contains lots of sugar, even if that’s your breakfast, it can awake you in the middle of the night. This happens because consuming sugar on a regular basis can lead to very low blood sugar levels in the middle of the night. The natural response of our body to such levels of blood sugar is boosting cortisol in the brain – something that will definitely wake you in the middle of the night.
5. Spicy Foods
Similar to tomatoes, consuming spicy foods before bedtime can cause acid reflux once you lie down, and this will surely interfere with your sleep. What’s more, eating hot stuff like spicy foods creates internal heat, which has stimulating effects on the brain. So, the next time you plan to have a spicy dinner, think twice!
Read More: Eat ¼ Teaspoon of THIS Spice & You Will Fall Asleep Fast
6. Chocolate
You might know that a coffee late in the evening can keep you awake at night, but did you know that a piece of chocolate can also disrupt your sleep?
While a cup of coffee is the largest source of caffeine in your diet, chocolate also contains high levels of caffeine. This sweet food can cause trouble with sleeping when consumed in the evening or late afternoon. Plus, it contains sugar, which as we mentioned is a powerful brain stimulator. So, if you want a restful night, eat your chocolate treat earlier in the day.
7. High-Glycemic Carbohydrates
Starchy veggies like pumpkin and potatoes, as well as noodles, bread, pizza crusts, etc. all, contain this type of carbohydrates. They quickly turn to sugar in the body, causing the same effect when eating chocolate and sweets in the evening. Similar to sugar, it will stimulate your brain right in the middle of the night. So, although you may fall asleep easily, it doesn’t mean you’ll have a stellar sleep quality.
What to Eat Before Bed
To have a good night’s sleep, experts recommend eating a plate full of veggies, some healthy fats, a good source of protein, and a small portion of whole grains. But, a proper diet is not the only thing that matters for a good sleep. There are other routines and practices which once combined with the proper diet will definitely improve your chances of getting enough sleep and beating insomnia.
This diet is not only good for those with sleeping problems, but for anyone who likes to prevent these problems in the future. So, don’t wait to start counting sheep in order to fall asleep, and start following this diet as soon as possible.
Via Cure Joy