Jonny Lim for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online
Ever wonder why you can’t seem to fall asleep or stay asleep? Ever wake up groggy, or just plain unrested? Well, we’re here to help and tell you some things you might be doing wrong.
1. Using your phone/tablet/computer in bed
Studies have shown that the use of your phone, computer, TV, tablet, or anything with a screen before bed disrupts your sleep. Why? Researchers claim the light from these devices disrupts your melatonin production. So yeah, your Facebook stalking can wait ’til the morning.
2. Playing video games/watching TV
Similar to the first one, the light from television hurts your sleep, but also the mental stimulation (perhaps from a riveting game of Call of Duty) further hurts you and your beautiful union with bed.
3. Eating a big meal and/or the wrong foods
Late night snacks are one of the greatest things in the world, however, avoid large meals before bed. Your body will be too busy digesting the food to let you fully rest. If you’re going to eat, it’s best to do it at least 2-3 hours before bed.
There’s also some things you should avoid (even in small amounts) if you’re going to eat before bed. Chocolate, spicy food, salty foods, or fatty foods: Don’t eat them. Why? Chocolate bars actually contain caffeine and they also have a stimulant called theobromine that can increase heart rate and sleeplessness. Spicy, salty, and fatty foods have the potential to cause acid reflux.
In other words, don’t take Patrick’s lead on this:
4. Exercising
No, this does not mean you have to stop exercising entirely. Trust me. I’m disappointed, too. Exercising can actually help you sleep. So keep doing your thing at the gym, just not right before bed.
5. Reading a book
A nice read before bed sounds like a great idea–until the book becomes way too interesting and you can’t put it down. The next thing you know, it’s the morning and you have no idea what just happened.
So unless you’re reading the dictionary or anything by John Steinbeck, keep the reading to a minimum before bed and show some kind of self-restraint.
6. Drinking alcohol
Drinking might trick your body into thinking you’re tired and you need sleep. Alcohol is a depressant after all. However, it has the potential to disturb your REM sleep to the point where it is no longer restorative. Also: hangovers.
7. Smoking
Smoking is a terrible habit as is, but it’s also not good for your sleep either. Nicotine is a stimulant, and keeps your body from reaching a restful state. Thus, really avoid anything that contains nicotine before bed.
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