Your way to better sleep starts long before your head hits the pillow. What you consume throughout the day -- and especially in the few hours before bed, can either support or sabotage your restful night.

 

Timing Matters as Much as Food Selection

Your body needs time to digest before it can fully transition into sleep mode. An active digestive system can disrupt your sleep making it difficult to wake feeling fully rested. Certain foods affect the body differently and can also cause sleep disruption. Snacks with empty calories can leave you feeling hungry and wanting to eat late at night. Spicy or acidic foods may cause reflux. Knowing what you eat and at what time so your body can effectively digest is key to better sleep.

 

Caffeine - the Friendly Foe

Caffeine can be our best friend in the morning to give us a boost to start our day, but it takes 5 - 6 hours to eliminate from the body, which can affect your quality of sleep. Caffeine isn't just in your morning coffee or tea. It can also be found in chocolate, green tea, and soda -- all of which, if consumed late in the day, can hinder your sleep at night.

 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Oops!

It's a great practice to stay hydrated and drink clean, fresh water. But it's important to be mindful about your timing. Drinking a full glass of water before bed can cause sleep disruption and send you running to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

 

It's Not All Bad News

Knowing what not to eat is a step in the right direction toward better sleep, but equally important are foods and snacks that support good sleep hygiene. Low-calorie, high-protein foods like almonds and avocado can be part of a healthy diet that supports good quality sleep and satisfies your hunger.

 

Being mindful about what and when you eat is an effective way to support your better sleep journey. Making informed choices will give you the energy your body needs and increase focus and resilience that only quality sleep can provide.

 

Your Guide to Better Sleep

Need help starting your better sleep journey? Our Better Sleep Guide can help. Get the steps and strategies that will help you implement sustainable habits. Learn about the foods that help, and how not to let alcohol sabotage you. Better sleep is possible. Get your guide today.