Studies have proved that a person needs to get adequate sleep in order to function properly as well as to stay healthy and fit. Thus, you need to sleep at least 6 to 8 hours a day if you want to stay fit and alert. However, if you are not able to get enough sleep or find it hard to fall asleep, wait and think. Before you contribute this lack of sleep to stress, make sure that you are not consuming things that can kill sleep.
Yes, you heard it right. There are in fact a few things which when consumed a few hours before bed time, have to capability to make you stay alert and awake. Want to know what these things are? Here is a list of some foods that are best avoided before bed time.
Worst Foods to have before Bed Time
1.Coffee
Have you ever wondered why you feel suddenly alert when you have a cup of coffee? This is because coffee contains caffeine which has the capability to keep you alert and kicking for as long as five hours. So, if you have coffee even a couple of hours before going to bed, chances are that you would end up tossing and turning for a long time. Additionally, the bodies of some people are not able to metabolize the caffeine properly which leads to longer hours of alertness. So, if you really want a good night’s sleep, make sure you stop the intake of coffee at least 6 hours before you go to bed.
2. Aged Cheese
There is no doubt that the heady smell of aged cheeses like Romano, Parmesan and Asiago can make you go crazy and attract you to get a bite. But, did you know that eating these before going to bed can actually affect your sleep pattern. Aged cheese contains a high content of an amino acid called Tyramine. It is believed that this amino acid has the ability to make your brain alert, thereby reducing or stopping the production of sleep inducing hormones, serotonin and melatonin. So, no matter how tempted you are, say no to aged cheese before bed time.
3. Milk Chocolate
Whether you munch on a bar of chocolate, gobble down a chocolate ice cream, drink a cup of hot chocolate or have a chocolate based dessert, it is sure that you won’t be able to get enough shut eye. Chocolate contains tyrosine. This is an amino acid that actually makes your brain more alert and thus prevents you from falling asleep. So, if you are a chocoholic, it would be a good idea to indulge yourself during the first half of the day. This is the only way to guarantee that you enjoy a great slumber at night.
4. Spicy Foods
Spicy food seems delicious and irresistible. However, one of the major after effects of spicy food is heart burn which can prevent you from sleeping at night. Also, the chili that is used to spice up these foods contains capsaicin can alter your body temperature which may in turn interfere with your sleep patterns. Thus, if you want to sleep well at night, make sure that you don’t add too much chili and other spices to your food.
5. Alcohol
It is true that a small dose of alcohol makes you feel drowsy. But, if you thought that consuming alcohol could actually help you to go to sleep, think again. Studies have proved that though alcohol induces sleep, this is not a deep slumber. Rather, if you fall asleep after consuming alcohol, you might wake up in the middle of the night and find it hard to go back to sleep. Thus, alcohol before bed is a big no-no.
So, if you really want to enjoy a deep, undisturbed sleep make sure that you steer clear of all these aforesaid food items. Instead look for things that can help you fall asleep like honey, almonds etc.
