Now this is interesting – According to the ChefMD’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine – eat a high gylcemic meal 4 hours before bedtime.
Sounds weird right? But if you think about it, what happens after the sugar high? You crash right?
I guess it would be OK for a one time solution, but its definitely not a good habit to get into.
Foods that have tryptophan will help your body make melatonin – the hottest new supplement. Melatonin helps regulate your sleeping patterns.
Eat chicken, fish, turkey, avocados, bananas, cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, peas, beans.
Cherries also help your body produce melatonin.
Alcohol can actually disrupt your sleep habits. Stick with one drink a day – no more than 2.
Stop eating a couple hours before bed. (Also helps with weight loss)
Cut out caffeine at night.
Do not exercise too close to bedtime.
Make a bedtime ritual. It works for adults as well as it does for kids 😉
I personally turn off the computer, finish the kitchen, take a shower because I like to be warm, soft, and relaxed when I hit the sack, and I usually read for a few minutes. I’ve tried journaling, but I don’t find that relaxing. I’m not good at meditating – but I will do breathing exercises and say my prayers. Because I eat healthy and I’m very active, I rarely have trouble falling asleep.
You’ll need to find what works for you. A bedtime ritual signals your body and mind that its time to wind down and go to sleep. Make sure you are getting away from all screens at least half an hour before going to bed.
