Tuesday, August 13, 2013

I Want To Sleep

 

Sleepless-Nights

Having trouble sleeping at night? Don’t want to go down the path of sleeping tablets?

Natural products like valerian, chamomile, St John’s Wort may assist but are not suited for all.

Below are some alternative options which may be the pantry or fridge to assist in the sedation process.

 

Sedate mate 1: Turkey

This lean poultry contains tryptophan, an amino acid that has a sedative-like effect. Don't gobble too much gobble-gobble, as protein gives you energy — a couple of slices of this magic meat will do.

Sedate mate 2: Nuts

Nuts, especially almonds, contain the magic mineral magnesium, which helps relax your muscles.

Sedate mate 3: Pasta

Pasta is rich in carbohydrates and contains serotonin, the calming hormone.

Sedate mate 4: Milk

Believe it or not, the old myth that warm milk helps you sleep is actually not a myth at all! Milk contains tryptophan and also calcium, which helps the brain use the tryptophan.

Sedate mate 5: Bananas

Bananas contain the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, as well as magnesium and serotonin.

Sedate mate 6: Flaxseed

These little seeds are rich in Omega 3, which help lift your mood and calm you. These are perfect if anxiety is keeping you awake.

Sedate mate 7: Potatoes

There are some acids that interfere with the effects of tryptophan. Potatoes are fantastic at eliminating these acids.

Doze foes

Here are the foods you should be avoiding at bedtime:

  • Sugar – this raises your energy levels too much, try honey instead.
  • Coffee – contains caffeine, which gives you unwanted energy boost.
  • Curry – spicy foods increase your heart rate, preventing sleep.
  • Cheese – makes the brain more alert, especially stilton.
  • Protein – most proteins contain tyrosine, which wakes up your brain.

I must admit, I have not yet tried any of the suggestions. When I do I will let you know.  If you do try with success or no success let us all know.

Cheers  Graham

No comments:

Post a Comment