Getting regular, consistent sleep helps regulate your mental, emotional and physical health. However, aging can make it harder to both fall and stay asleep. Going too long without a good night’s rest can significantly impact your health. There are many factors that go into sleeping well. One of them is your diet. What you eat can hurt how well you sleep, so learn what foods sabotage sleep so that you can avoid them!
Tomatoes
This may seem strange, but tomatoes are chock-full of tyramine, a chemical that is actually used in many energy drinks. Tyramine is an amino acid that can trigger an elevation in brain activity, so it’s probably best if you avoid tomatoes if you’re trying to relax! While tomatoes are a healthy addition to any diet, we recommend that you enjoy them in the morning or earlier in the afternoon so that they will not interfere with your rest.
Fatty Foods
Fried and fatty foods aren’t an ideal part of any diet, but we know that sometimes you just want to enjoy a good pizza or cheeseburger. The word “sometimes” is key here, though: these foods should only be enjoyed occasionally, especially as you age. Fatty, fried foods are extremely high in fat, and the body needs to work harder to digest them. This can cause an upset stomach after you eat them, as well as gas or discomfort, all of which can make for an uncomfortable sleeping experience.
Alcohol and Caffeine
This is probably the least surprising one on this list. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, these aren’t the greatest beverages to have before bed. Try and refrain from having an evening glass of wine be a regular thing, and try and keep your coffee intake to the morning! Also pay attention to other foods which may contain caffeine, such as chocolate.
Foods with High Water Content
It’s always a good idea to eat your fruits and vegetables, but certain fruits and vegetables aren’t the greatest idea before bedtime. These include those with high water content, such as cucumbers, celery and watermelon. Having too much of them before bedtime can lead to too many bathroom trips, which can delay or prevent a good night’s rest.
Spicy Food
Unfortunately, given how delicious it is, spicy food can also mean a bad night’s sleep. These foods can raise your body temperature, making it uncomfortable for you to sleep well. As with most of the food on this list, enjoying spicy food can’t hurt, but it’s also wise to be mindful of how often – and when exactly during the day – you enjoy them.
Eat Well, Sleep Well
We spend a third of our day sleeping, so we want to make sure we’re sleeping well! A good diet is beneficial to all aspects of our life, so it’s no surprise that it helps us sleep better, too. If you find yourself finding it harder to prepare your daily meals, you can consider assisted living, which usually provides delicious and nutritious daily dining options.
