You’ve heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.”  But did you know that what we eat or drink throughout the day can have a big impact on how well we sleep?  As parents, we know that a good night’s rest can often feel out of reach.  But we’ve got the scoop from experts on the things working for or against you when it comes to catching z’s.  You might want to rethink that bedtime snack!

Caffeine

This one will probably come as no surprise. Caffeine is a well-known sleep disruptor that can interfere with both falling asleep and staying asleep. While everyone responds differently, it’s important to make sure you’re not having another cup of joe too late in the day.

Alcohol

Most people assume that alcohol would help you sleep.  The truth is that while it might help you drift off initially, it can actually disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to fragmented sleep throughout the night. So, if you’re hoping for a good night sleep, you may want to switch to a club soda at happy hour.

Bedtime Snacks

Who doesn’t love a bedtime snack?  The good news is that some of them can be quite good for your sleep!  Research has shown that certain foods contain nutrients that can promote better sleep. For example, foods rich in tryptophan, such as turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds, can help your body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep. Additionally, foods high in magnesium and calcium, such as bananas, almonds, and yogurt, can help relax your muscles and promote a sense of calm before bedtime.  Enjoy!

Hydration

This one is all about balance.  Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including sleep. Not getting enough fluids during the day can lead to poor quality of sleep at night.  That said, it’s best to limit fluid intake in the hours leading up to bedtime so you’re not getting up to go to the bathroom all night!

Supplements

Even with the right routines and good nutrition, some people struggle more than others to get enough sleep.  If this is you, you may want to consider the popular supplement, melatonin.  Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle and has been known to improve the quality of sleep for many.  It’s best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement to ensure it’s safe for you.

Good quality sleep is so important to our overall health and parents, especially, usually don’t get it enough.  Being mindful of what we eat and drink is a relatively easy way to help you get the rest you need and deserve!   Sweet dreams!