Five Ways That Your Diet Can Impact Your Sleep

It’s no secret that sleep and nutrition play a vital part in your overall health, but did you know that there are certain ways that your diet can make it easier or harder for you to get a good night’s sleep?

Fueling your body with the proper foods is essential to living a healthy lifestyle, which includes how you sleep at night. Experts recommend a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables as well as the recommended intake of vitamins and nutrients.

Here are five ways that your diet may be negatively impacting your sleep;

Large meals close to bedtime: Going to bed on a full stomach is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause you to have a harder time sleeping. Your body will take a lot longer to digest meals once you are sleeping. If you need to have a snack, stick to something small like herbal tea or a pack of almonds.

Spicy Foods: While consuming large meals before bedtime is not recommended, did you know that spicy food may impact your sleep? Some of the seasoning with some very spicy dishes have been known to cause heartburn, which can lead to indigestion that could interrupt your sleep. If you enjoy spicy foods, it’s okay to consume them in moderation but don’t overdo it too late in the day.

Too much caffeine: Did you know that caffeine can linger in your system for up to 5 hours after consumption? Trying to fall asleep when you are feeling jittery is no fun. Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages too late in the day and be aware of other foods that may contain caffeine as this could affect your sleep as well.

Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol has been known to make people feel drowsy, however, it is also known to negatively affect your REM sleep cycle, which is vital for getting a good night’s sleep. Limit the number of drinks you consume in the evening hours and don’t use it as a sleep aid.

Too much hydration: While drinking lots of water throughout the day is fantastic, be careful of how much you drink at night unless you want your sleep to be interrupted by frequent bathroom visits. It’s best to stop water consumption around 60-90 minutes before bedtime, aside from a few sips if necessary.