Sleepless nights are something everyone experiences occasionally, but some of us experience it more often. Yes, it’s a common symptom if you are stressed or have something on your mind, but if that’s not the cause, it could quite possibly be what you drink or eat?
Cut the caffeine. That is the most common problem. Items such as coffee, tea, chocolate, cola & energy drinks are the biggest offenders. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine & even a lunchtime coffee can keep you awake at night so this a good place to start. It’s time to eliminate some of the caffeine in your life.
Spicy foods have a tendency to cause heartburn and indigestion, which will keep you up. Chili can also have the same effect. So if you just can’t live without your hot and spicy try to eat it earlier in the day rather than dinner.
Eating late or a large meal will mean that while you are sleeping your body is busy digesting dinner, so try have dinner a little earlier & lighter than normal. Though it can be difficult it would be fantastic if you could make lunch your biggest meal for the day.
MSG and other chemicals could be impacting on your sleep through your dreams so if your nightmares are keeping you up, it’s defiantly something to look out for. Also Nicotine patches, gums, lozenges and some quit smoking medications play havoc with your subconscious thoughts causing very intense nightmares.
Some vegetables are better eaten fat lunch rather than dinner due to their ability to cause gas. Things like Cabbage, beans, brussel sprouts & broccoli to name a few.
Do you gobble your food? Eating too quickly can have the same effect as spicy foods and eating late at night. Taking your time while eating can help in many ways. Firstly it will give your brain the 20 minutes it takes to register that you are full, so you don’t unnecessarily over eat. It will also avoid excess ingestion of air while you eat. Chewing properly before swallowing will ease the digestive process, ensuring it has smaller pieces of food to work on in your tummy..
Alcohol, may make you feel sleepy at the time of consumption is actually a stimulant. Once the “drunk” feeling wears off it will keep you awake, so a glass of wine with dinner may be ok, though the night cap later on may be too much for you to handle? Again everyone’s sensitivity is different so you will have to see how it works for you.
So if you have sleepless nights, take a moment to think, what did I eat? What did I drink? See if they are common every time you have those sleepless nights. Well you won’t be sleeping so you may as well spend the time figuring out what it is that is keeping you awake.