So many times we ask ourselves these questions. Why cant I sleep? Or why am I so tired? The truth of the matter is half of all adults are not getting the required amount of sleep needed. This is due to how society is. We live in a very fast paced world now where sleep is classed as a luxury. I know half of us at work would give anything just to grab an extra 10-30mins sleep. With work on an average being from 9-5 plus trying to stay social with friends it can be hard to get the required amount of sleep.
What we may or may not know is that this lack of sleep could be harming your body more than you think. Sleep deprivation can affect you body and mind. A good nights sleep is not determined by how comfortable your pillow is; its also based on many other factors.
Not many of us know this but there are so many
food types out there that can help you get the good nights rest you deserve. Foods such as, seafood, soy products, dairy products, rice, beans, humus, lentils and hazelnut peanuts are all foods high in sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is the raw material that the brain uses to build these relaxing neurotransmitters, which basically means when we eat food types like these the amino acid relaxes the brain and helps us sleep better. Steer clear of all caffeine drinks; these will surely prevent you from getting a good nights rest.
Some other factors that may prevent sleep according to Dr. Sears at askdrsears.com are
The bedroom may be too noisy, too hot or too cold
The bed may be uncomfortable or too small
You don't have a regular sleep routine
You partner has a different pattern of sleep from you
You aren't getting enough exercise
You eat too late - and find it hard to get off to sleep
You go to bed hungry - and wake up too early
Cigarettes, alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea and coffee
Pain such as
muscle cramps
Illness or high temperature
More serious reasons include:
Emotional problems
Difficulties at work
Anxiety and worry
Depression - you wake very early and can't get back to sleep
Thinking over and over about problems.
If we are not getting enough sleep we could be paying for it later. Lack of sleep can lead to daytime drowsiness, lack of concentration, prone to accidents like falls; you may feel depressed and also perhaps low productivity at work. It is said that most adults need around 8 hours of sleep each night but there are some people out there who will get by with as little as 3 hours sleep a night.
If you are having problems with your sleep find more information with your local GP.
