Can’t Sleep? Here’s what might be keeping you up

If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may interested to know that your insomnia may have more to do with what you do before getting into bed than anything that happens once you’re in there. Sleep is as important to your overall health as nutrition and exercise. In fact recent research has shown that sleep plays an important role in weight loss.

Sleep is a powerful tool when it comes to getting and staying fit. What you do hours before bed may not only affect your ability to sleep but your sleep quality as well. So what are some of those things you should avoid doing?

For one thing, avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol or even eating anything too heavy. You shouldn’t eat atleast three hours before bed, because your metabolism begins to slow down as you approach bed time. Consuming too much liquid before bed will also guarantee you multiple trips to the bathroom. If you must drink drink water and limit how much you consume.

You should also avoid engaging in any arguments or heavy conversations before bed. Whatever emotions experienced during the argument or exchange will be preserved throughout the night and likely keep you anxious, excited and awake.

It may sound a bit contradictory but you should probably avoid exercising right before bedtime. You’d think a hard workout will leave you spent and tired but exercise produces endorphins and adrenaline and if this happens less than three hours before bed, you may find yourself up all night.

Try leaving work at work and not taking it to home or to bed. If there are  things left undone, write them down. Make a to do list for the next day and stop thinking about what has to be done. Thinking about work wil keep your brain stimulated and will undoubtedly lead to a restless night.

And finally, as hard as it may be, avoid watching TV or going online before bed. The light from the monitor or screen will block the body’s ability to create melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. Turning the TV or computer off a couple hours before bed or ensuring you don’t have a TV or PC in your bedroom will help you get a lot better night’s sleep.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kendal Burton is a Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Sports Nutrition Specialist.