ENT Birmingham – How Diet Affects Sleep

Sleep is one of the most vital need in one’s life and every creature especially people need it in order to function properly. Without sleep, individuals do break down both mentally and physically. When you don’t get enough sleep, it will lead to moodiness, lack of concentration and sluggishness during the day.

Many people will go to great lengths in order to ensure that they have a good night sleep. There are people who will purchase a medically approved mattress, one will power down all smart devices early while another will work till late in order to be fatigued.

What many people don’t know is that a good night sleep starts with breakfast. What you eat makes or breaks your goodnight sleep.

ENT Birmingham – How Diet Affects Sleep

Eat breakfast

Breakfast is an important meal that enables one to start their day strong. When you skip breakfast especially for long stretches, you will cause hormonal fluctuations that will interfere with your sleeping pattern during the night. You need to start with a power breakfast that is composed of protein and carbohydrates. For example eggs with whole wheat toast or whole grain cereal. If you love snacking every few hours, consider fruits and vegetables as they will make your hormones maintain steady levels therefore giving you a goodnight sleep.

Eat nutritious food

Healthy foods are rich in nutrients and minerals which are beneficial in the growth and development of an individual. For example magnesium and Vitamin B6 help in the production of melatonin which is a hormone that enables one to fall asleep as well stay asleep. Foods rich in magnesium include whole grains, dairy products, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include fish especially salmon, halibut and tuna. Other foods rich in B6 include cherries, bananas and chickpeas.

Your body produces tryptophan, an amino acid that is known to make one to feel sleepy. In order for your body to produce this amino acid,. You need to consume carbs like jasmine rice especially during dinner time. Doing so will help you to relax before bed time.

Always watch the time

Professionals like an ear nose and throat doctor have found that when one eats big meals, they help to rev up one’s digestive system therefore acting as a stimulant. Your body needs this in order to power down when you go to bed. To achieve this, one should not eat 2 to 3 hours before going to sleep. One should also keep away from substances rich in caffeine such as coffee 6 hours before bedtime and alcohol three hours before bedtime.

Call Shelby Ear Nose and Throat Associates if you’re looking for an ENT Doctor in Birmingham, Shelby County, Alabaster, Pelham, Calera or Hoover at (205) 621-8900.