If you're having trouble falling—or staying—asleep at night, your diet could be to blame. Steer clear of these top sleep saboteurs, and you should be getting a good night's rest in no time, dietitian Shelly Redmond, R.D.,the author of Eat Well and Be Fabulous give you some advices.
Caffeine:
The caffeine will keep you wide-awake, but what you may not realize? Coffee and soda aren't the only culprits. Some OTC meds contain caffeine, too, as do many teas. If you're caffeine-sensitive, start opting for decaf and checking the labels of any meds you're planning to take about eight hours before bedtime.
| Fluids: |
Water is great for weight loss and staying healthy but can have the unfortunate side effect of waking you up for middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks. And not only do 2 a.m. restroom runs interrupt your sleep cycle, but they can also cut into your REM sleep. Try to avoid drinking fluids 60-90 minutes before your usual bedtime to make sure you actually spend all night in bed.
Aged and Fermented Foods:
Tyramine, an amino acid found in aged and fermented foods, stimulates the brain and could keep you up at night as a result. Aged cheese, smoked fish, and cured meats all contain it—so if you must have a cheesy snack before bedtime, stick to the fresh stuff, like mozzarella.
Tomato-Based Products:
Anything with a lot of acid can cause heartburn and discomfort during the night—and that includes tomato-based foods and spicy dishes. To prevent tossing and turning, Redmond recommends staying away from these types of foods at least three hours before you hit the sack.
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