These 7 bad habits could be the reason why you’re not getting enough sleep

( Natural News ) Like many people these days, your relationship with sleep may be complicated. It creeps in during the day when you actively avoid it but eludes you at night when all you want is a long, quality rest. Before your erratic sleep cycle has you thinking of health-related worst-case scenarios, know that your inability to sleep doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with your body. You probably just need to cut back on certain bad habits . Not eating right – The phrase, “You are what you eat,” might feel worn-out, but it’s still true. The food you consume, especially before you sleep, will have an impact on the quality of your slumber. Avoid sweet and spicy items as these take time to digest, which will keep your body awake and may even cause indigestion or heartburn. Instead, choose food items that are rich in tryptophan , which helps in the production of the hormone melatonin that controls your sleep and wake cycle . These foods include dairy products, poultry, and tofu. You may also consume nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6 . These are found aplenty in various vegetables, as well as fish oil. Consuming caffeine or alcohol – Caffeine is essential to keeping you awake when you need to be productive during the day. However, having too much of it can affect your ability to sleep at night. To minimize its adverse effects, drink coffee only in the morning. With alcohol, moderation is always key. It has diuretic properties, so while taking a little may help, imbibing too much will have you getting up a lot during the night to go to the toilet. (Related: Natural Sleep Aids: Enjoy a Good Night of Sleep .) Sleeping on uncomfortable bedding – The bed you […]

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