Food for Sleep?
Unfortunately, almost everything you eat can affect slumber. For example, tomato products and spicy foods give many people heartburn (as does eating too fast). Heartburn makes falling asleep more difficult and lying down makes heartburn worse.
Yes, eating too much can make sleep difficult, but going to bed hungry can be just as disruptive to sleep.
Give cigarettes the flick.
On top of all its other dangers, nicotine is a stimulant. In fact, when smokers go to sleep, they experience nicotine withdrawal. Research suggests that nicotine is linked to difficulty falling asleep and problems waking up. Smokers may also experience more nightmares. Giving up smoking can have a long-term positive effect on sleep.
Good Sleep Check List:
• Consume less or no caffeine and avoid alcohol.
• Drink less fluids before going to sleep.
• Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
• Avoid nicotine.
• Exercise regularly, in the daytime, preferably after noon.
• Try a relaxing routine, like soaking in hot water before bedtime.
• Establish a regular bedtime and wake time schedule.
• Keep a sleep diary before and after you try these tips.
• If the quality of your sleep does not improve, share this diary with your doctor.
