Introduction

If you have trouble sleeping at night, it may be helpful to think about what you eat during the day.

The Role of Food in Sleep Patterns

“To improve sleep patterns, it’s important to rethink what and when we eat,” explains Sheryl Lithgow of Benenden Health, an award-winning nursing consultant with a master’s degree and over twenty years of experience.

The Culprit: Chocolate

One of the worst foods to eat if you’re having trouble sleeping is chocolate, and even dark chocolate, which is a pretty healthy option.

White chocolate and milk chocolate are high in sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and thus disrupt sleep.

Dark chocolate also contains cocoa and often caffeine, which is a known stimulant.

Avoid Cheese for a Good Night’s Sleep

Another food to avoid if you have trouble sleeping is cheese. Hard or aged cheese is high in the amino acid tyramine, which helps increase alertness.

Watch Out for Potato Chips

A possible contributor to poor sleep is potato chips, which are often high in salt, dehydrating the body and increasing water retention.

Healthy Alternatives

For those craving sweet foods like milk chocolate, it might be better to eat cherries instead.

Cherries contain high levels of melatonin, which promotes sleepiness.

Almonds are also a good choice as they are high in magnesium, which helps regulate blood sugar so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep.

Establish a Regular Routine

“A regular daily routine allows the body to recognize ‘go to bed’ signals that help you have a restful night,” Lithgow said.

Additional tips include not eating too late at night, watching portion sizes, and avoiding sugar and caffeine before bed.

Seek Professional Help

Anyone who has had trouble sleeping for a while should seek help from a doctor.

Many factors can contribute to insomnia, which may not be related to the food you eat.

Source

Source: Express