Sleep is critical for a healthy body and mind – and what we eat during the day can determine how we sleep.
If you’re tossing and turning during the night, here are some foods that may be currently disturbing your sleep.
Not enough calcium in your diet
Calcium works alongside tryptophan to produce melatonin. Research proves calcium levels in the body are highest during our deepest sleep stages, and calcium deficiency has been linked to disturbed REM sleep.
If you’ve given up dairy for health reasons, but aren’t adequately replacing it with other calcium alternatives – this will definitely impact your sleep.
Do you even protein for breakfast?
Going to bed with a belly full of sugar and refined carbs will wreak havoc on blood sugar and disrupt sleep. Pay attention to how much protein you’re getting at breakfast and throughout the day.
Eating at least 20-30g of protein at breakfast time can suppress cravings and increased appetite at night time.
Carbs, carbs, carbs
To better support blood sugar levels for better sleep, it’s important to opt for complex fiber rich carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are needed for the body to produce tryptophan and serotonin, both vital for sleep. Carbohydrates also contain vitamin B3, which has been studied for its positive effects on sleep.
Put the chocolate down, Debbie!
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, or cannot stop after the recommended serving size of 2 squares and go off on an entire block of chocolate, the caffeine content in chocolate will affect your sleep. The same goes for other ‘raw treats’ containing cocoa, having the same impact as caffeine.