Exercise, diet, and sleep are all equally important to living a healthy lifestyle. Poor sleep negatively impacts health, fitness, and mental function. Sleep-deprived adults and children can also gain weight and be more likely to develop diseases from it. By contrast, good sleep can help you lose weight, get in shape, and improve your health.
Sleep quality, as well as quantity, has declined in recent decades. Many people have trouble sleeping. In order to maximize your chances of losing weight or staying healthy, it is imperative that you get a good night’s sleep. You can try these tips to improve the quality of your sleep:
Avoid Drinking Caffeine Late in the Day
There are many benefits to caffeine consumption, however, there are many downsides as well. Sports performance, focus, and energy can be enhanced with a single dose of this supplement. But, caffeine may affect your body’s ability to naturally relax at night when consumed late in the day. One study has found that coffee consumption up to six hours before bed leads to poor sleep quality. Caffeine stays in your bloodstream for up to 8 hours. In consequence, avoid drinking coffee after 3-4 p.m. especially if you have trouble sleeping. Thus, decaffeinated coffee is the best choice if you feel the urge for coffee.
Reduce the Number of Long and Irregular Daytime Naps
Taking short power naps during the day can be beneficial, but taking long naps can negatively impact your sleep. By sleeping during the day, you can disturb your circadian rhythm, which in turn will leave you struggling to fall asleep at night. In fact, one study showed that people who took daytime naps felt sleepier during the day. According to a study, short naps, usually less than 30 minutes, are beneficial to the brain during the day, while longer naps reduce sleep quality and harm health. Despite this, some studies show people who regularly nap during the day don’t experience a decrease in sleep quality or sleep disruption at night.
Avoid Late-Night Eating and Drinking
It has been shown that eating late at night can affect the quality of sleep and decrease the release of melatonin and HGH. Nevertheless, the type and quality of the selected food may also be important. Thus, high-carb meals eaten four hours before bedtime improved sleep. Still, you should avoid eating large meals before you go to sleep. An overactive bladder causes nocturia, which is defined as excessive urination during the night. Sleep quality and energy levels are affected by nocturia. Large amounts of liquid consumed before bedtime can also cause similar symptoms, although some people might be more sensitive than others. Despite the importance of hydration for your health, you should avoid drinking fluids after dinner.