Ten ways you are sabotaging your sleep
By People Reporter, September 5, 2019Consuming large, heavy meals
Your digestive tract is meant to be at rest when you sleep — not hard at work.
In fact, the process of digestion (peristalsis) is at its lowest ebb during sleep.
If you’re hungry before bedtime, a small amount of food may be helpful, but for those dealing with bladder control issues or prostate problems, avoid liquids after dinner time (or for five to six hours before bedtime).
Going to bed hungry
While you certainly don’t want to go to bed on a full stomach, you also don’t want your stomach to be growling.
In many cases, this can cause a drop in blood sugar. When your blood sugar gets low, insulin is produced to help utilise fat stores, but this can be stimulating and keep you awake.
The go-to remedy for this situation is a teaspoon of raw honey, which keeps your blood sugar stable longer.
Horror movies
Winding down with a movie at the end of a long day might sound like a smart idea. But be wise in your choice of genres.
Watching scary or frightening movies before sleeping cause the stress hormone, cortisol, to rocket, which can keep you alert and awake far past bedtime. Choose calmer, possibly even boring flicks, such as documentaries.
Using electronic devices
This includes computers, laptops, cellphones, and just about any other electronic device that emits blue light.
Blue light upon striking your retina will shut down your normal production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, not only impairing your ability to fall asleep, but also leaving you sleepy in the morning.
Having a serious conversation
Whether it’s a solemn phone call with a friend, a late-night tiff with your significant other or a pesky neighbour that’s cranking his music up too loud, fighting or talking about serious subjects before bed is not a good idea.
Confrontations lead to a stress response, with your adrenal glands producing cortisol and adrenaline.
Late exercise
Late at night might be your only opportunity to sneak in a workout and, by all means, you should try to sneak in a workout whenever possible.
However, it’s important to note that revving up your energy and heart rate that late at night may prevent you from falling asleep easily.
The best time to exercise is three to four hours prior to going to sleep.
Going to bed way earlier than normal
Scheduling “lights out” for the same time each night ensures you score a full, rested night’s sleep. Many people alter their bedtime and wake time multiple days of the week, which results into social jet lag.
The body’s natural circadian rhythm has to continually adjust to a new routine. To avoid this, set a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends.
Worrying
Worrying is something most of us can’t help, but do from time to time. But if at all possible, try not to let your mind race before bed.
If your thoughts run haywire, they can easily interfere with sleep. It can be difficult to fall or stay asleep if you’re stressed out.
In fact, stress can lead to insomnia by causing hyper-arousal in your body and mind, leading to a vicious cycle of continuous tossing and turning and tension.
Napping too close to bedtime
While napping is wonderful and can be healthy, doing it within six hours before you go to bed can sabotage your sleep.
There is data to suggest that the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep is directly related to the last time you were asleep.
Napping too close to bedtime will lower your sleep drive, which is what helps you fall asleep.
Taking certain medications
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can keep you from falling asleep.
These include stimulating medications such as Ritalin and Adderall, which elevate the levels of wake-promoting neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
In fact, even some of the popular antidepressants, such as Prozac, Cymbalta, and Zoloft, can cause trouble falling asleep.