The answer to your sleep troubles may be as simple as changing your nightly mealtime.
And yet we all know how important sleep is for good health.
Not getting enough can raise your risk for everything from weight gain and diabetes to heart disease and depression.
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What Is the #1 Habit You Should Break for Better Sleep?
Because it can prompt several physiological processes in the body.
One of the reasons is that food delivers fuel in the form of calories.
In addition, consuming food tells your body to start the digestive process.
This response takes time, and certain nutrients break down more quickly than others.
Carbohydratesparticularly refined carbs like those found in many crackers, chips and sweetsdigest more rapidly than protein and fat.
People withacid refluxsuffer from stomach acid coming up into the esophagus.
This process can be heightened when you lie down.
That’s why Harris recommends avoiding large meals within three hours before bedtimeespecially ones that contain those trigger foods.
For example, skipping breakfast islinkedto increased hunger levels later on.
And we save the bulk of our protein intake for dinner.
So take a stab at focus on includingproteinin every meal and snack.
Spreading protein intake throughout the day is a crucial part of feeling satiated.
“There’s emergingevidencethat your gut bugs can play a role in sleep,” saysAmanda Sauceda, RD.
“A healthy microbiome is dependent on making sure you’re eating a lot ofplant-based, fiber-rich foods.”
This is especially true if you drink it late in the afternoon.
That said, everyone metabolizes caffeine differently.
Take note of how this stimulant makes you feel.
If it’s messing with your sleep, adjust your habits accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Sleep is an incredibly important aspect of everyday life.
Your morning self will thank you.
