Your nutrition impactS your sleep
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What we eat and drink throughout the day impacts our sleep
Most of us understand that caffeine consumption can negatively affect our sleep. However, many people do not know that when and what we eat and drink, also has a direct impact on the quality of our sleep.
Eating and drinking habits that positively impact sleep:
Avoiding caffeinated beverages after 2 pm
Having a healthy, and preferably, small dinner
Finishing dinner at least 2 hours before bed
Avoiding (diet) sodas or sugary drinks in the evening
Avoiding alcoholic beverages
Breaking it down:
Caffeine is a stimulant and can remain in our bodies for up to 8 hours. Too much caffeine can cause headaches and disrupt our sleep. Also, be careful not to eat too much. Overeating is linked to poor sleep. Low nutrient, ultra-processed and junk foods cause weight gain and harm our sleep. The same is true of sodas and other sugary drinks. Alcohol can initially relax us, but it causes dehydration and often impedes high-quality or deep REM sleep. It can also cause us to wake up in the night. Try not to eat within 2 hours of bedtime, as it activates your digestive system, which also can interfere with your sleep. If we nourish our bodies with foods that are rich in nutrients we can sleep better. Sleep is crucial for our rest and recovery.
Do you experience difficulties making good nutrition decisions or your sleep routine in general?
If you struggle with making changes to your routine, we encourage you to study these 11 habits. They will show you how you can incorporate new things into your routine.
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