Saturday, November 22, 2008

Insomnia Cure - Tips to Sleep Well by Eating Proper Diet

Like old saying, you are what you eat. Today we will discuss about: You are what you Sleep. A proper quality sleep is the best medicine for our body. Sleep helps to improve body immune system, improve physical, mental and emotional health and delay aging process.

The ideal sleeping hours for most adults is 7 to 8 hours a night. Now a proper and healthy diet is found to support a good sleep.

What you eat, how much you eat and when you eat can affect sleep and sleep hormones namely, melatonin and serotonin production. Tryptophan found in certain food is a good source of serotonin that helps an individual to relax and thereby stimulate sleep.

Therefore a glass of warm milk helps you to sleep well at night. Food such as Milk, Wheat Product, Barley, Almond, Seaweed, Yoghurt, Tuna, Potato, Banana, Oatmeal, Brown Rice and Soy Protein is high in Tryptophan.

Adversely, food contain high tyramine should be minimised and avoided at night as it induces restlessness which include alcohol, shrimp paste, processed meats, soy sauce, nuts, seeds and raisins.

As our stomach needs about 4 to 6 hours for food to be digested, we should try to eat at least 4 hours before sleep. Spicy and Oily food should be avoided at dinner as it takes longer time to digest. Have a light meal at night is important for a comfort, good sleep and to avoid heartburn in the long term.

People who suffer from long term Chronic Insomnia can try to consume more food which are high in Vitamin B6 to B12. They can also try to eat snack such as cereals or oat with milk or toasted bread which is high in complex carbohydrates. It helps to release serotonin and promote sleep.

Besides that, beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, carbonated drinks, chocolate beverages should be consumed 4 hours before bed as it contains caffeine that causing sleep disturbance and disorder.

By eating the right food and control on diet is one of the Insomnia Treatment or Insomnia Cure. A good sleep is essential for good health. Practising good and proper eating habits will improve sleeping pattern.

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