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Eating for Sleep: The Anti-Insomnia Diet

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The food you eat does more than simply sustain you. The nutrients you consume play a vital role in the chemical reactions of each and every bodily function. A healthy and balanced diet is an essential part of maintaining optimal physical and mental functionality, and many health irregularities can be helped by taking a closer look at your eating habits.

Sleep is one of the most important physiological processes that we undergo, yet it is also one of the most neglected. Millions of people worldwide suffer from the common sleep disorder insomnia. Sufferers of insomnia have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, and often go through their days in a haze of exhaustion. This disorder can be debilitating, as a healthy sleep cycle is imperative for good health and wellbeing. Disrupted sleep can lead to irritability, heart and blood pressure problems, depression, and a weakened immune system.

While there are medications you can take to help you sleep, many of these come with unwanted side effects. One of the most effective treatments for insomnia is a change in lifestyle. Part of this is a dietary overhaul. By paying attention to the nutrients that you put into your body and making some changes to what and when you eat, you can get a headstart on a good night’s sleep.

 

 

 

 

The sleep cycle is controlled by many different chemicals, enzymes, nutrients, amino acids, and hormones all working in conjunction with one another. Certain foods and drinks contain compounds that regulate the sleep cycle by assisting with the production of sleep-inducing chemicals. Other foods may exacerbate sleeplessness by hindering the production of these chemicals, or by causing gastrointestinal discomfort. An effective anti-insomnia diet focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and unsaturated fats, and avoids alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and spicy and greasy foods.

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