Although the correlation between diet and sleep is unclear, there are many key components in one’s diet that might be either keeping you awake or putting you to sleep at night. First of all, seeing as about half of the population is addicted to caffeine then half of the population might also be staying awake all night waiting for their morning fix. Caffeine is found in many things, including soda, coffee, and tea. These products are all consumed by a millions of people throughout the day in order to keep them awake, keep them satisfied, and to keep them alive (not literally.) However, because of the caffeine in these products, many Americans find themselves with a case of insomnia when it comes down to the wire.
When it comes to feeling energized, there is a difference between being wired and being awake. When one consumes copious amounts of coffee they might find themselves with a case of the jitters while a person who awakes to fresh fruit and other components of a balanced breakfast might find themselves feeling energized but not spiked. This is not true for everyone, seeing as caffeine effects people differently and that not everyone is a morning person. However, eating a generous amount of fruits and vegetables in the morning, and continuing a nutritious diet throughout the day will not only benefit one’s energy, but also their health as a whole.
Sleep will improve a person’s health so long as they are getting the proper amount each night, or at least if they are getting the proper amount a couple of times per week. When one goes days, weeks, or months sleep deprived they begin to exhibit a state of consciousness that resembles The Walking Dead. When one’s diet is also being affected, the zombie-like state can be increased because the body needs nutrition and without it, sustained by a diet of McDonalds and Taco Bell, one will feel the effects. Consuming a high quantity of fatty foods will leave one tossing and turning at night.
Other factors of your diet that effect your sleep will include eating or drinking to close to your bedtime. Drinking too much fluid before bed will keep you up all night in the bathroom (trust me, I know!) and eating too much can keep you up with indigestion. However, eating a light snack before bedtime, such as a peanut butter and honey/jelly sandwich can promote healthier sleep. Alcohol is a no-no, and of course, so is caffeine.
Sleep can also effect your diet in the same way that diet does sleep. Too little sleep can lead to higher ghrelin levels, which can lead to overeating and other unhealthy habits. Make sure that you are getting the proper rest at night and are sleeping on an Eco-Friendly, healthy mattress and keeping up with a healthy diet. Don’t be afraid to indulge every once and a while, just remember that everything is good in moderation!