How Your Diet Affects Your Sleep
Late-night snacks are something that many people crave, especially if they’ve had a long day of work or a night out with friends. Everyone needs food to survive, and often times, having a snack before bed is comforting. However, some foods can affect not only your health but also your sleep quality.
Certain snacks contain ingredients that make it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. On the other hand, some foods can help you sleep better if consumed in proper quantities. Discover the foods that are best and worst to eat in the evening.
Foods and Drinks That Can Improve Sleep Quality
Almonds
While most nuts are a healthy choice to snack on, almonds, in particular, will help you sleep. They contain many vital nutrients that your body needs to function and fight off diseases. Almonds also contain the hormone called melatonin, which regulates your sleep patterns.
Kiwis
This fruit is low in calories and high in nutrients such as vitamin C. Studies have found that eating kiwis before bed helps decrease insomnia and improve your quality of sleep. They also contain antioxidants that will help your body get rid of toxins from unhealthy foods.
Tart Cherry Juice
Most juices are high in sugar, making them bad to drink before bed. However, tart cherry juice is loaded with ingredients that’ll boost your sleep and overall health, c including a high amount of melatonin and vitamin A. Drinking 16 ounces a day can help you sleep up to two hours longer.
Chamomile Tea
This beverage is commonly known to be beneficial for your body and can help you feel more relaxed. The herbs in this tea are known to reduce mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, allowing your mind to sleep more peacefully at night.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid Before Bed
Coffee
As you may know, coffee contains a large amount of caffeine. This ingredient is known for giving you energy and helping you wake up, so it’s best to avoid drinking coffee for the last six hours before you go to bed.
Soda
Like coffee, soda contains a large amount of caffeine. It also contains a lot of sugar that keeps you awake and makes it hard for you to stay asleep. While you may fall asleep after drinking soda, you’ll find yourself tossing and turning all night.
Pizza
This carb-filled food is a popular late-night snack due to the fact that it’s often eaten hot or cold. However, the cheese and tomato sauce combined can make it extra hard for you to fall asleep. Cheese alters your ability to sleep peacefully and can even cause bad dreams. Tomato sauce is highly acidic and can upset your stomach, making sleep more difficult.
Dark Chocolate
If you didn’t already know, chocolate contains caffeine. Since dark chocolate is the highest in cocoa, it provides your body with extra energy. Additionally, it contains an amino acid, which is also known for its ability to keep you alert.
Contact Dr. Lauck With Sleep Issues
Sleep is an essential part of life, and quality sleep will ensure you’re happy and healthy. Contact Dr. Lauck at (817) 431-6764 to be evaluated if you’re experiencing sleep issues.