7 Foods That Steal Your Sleep
During holidays, people want to eat well, sleep well, and rest well. However, experts warn that improper diet can lead to sleep difficulties. According to a recent report by foreign media, American nutritionists have recently listed "7 Foods That Steal Your Sleep," which is worth a read.
1. Caffeinated Beverages
As is well known, caffeine has long been considered the main culprit for insomnia. However, Michelle Dudas, a registered dietitian in the U.S., states that while caffeine does not add any energy to the body, it is indeed a stimulant that increases human alertness and causes difficulty sleeping.
2. Cheese
Nutrition experts say that cheese contains a large amount of the amino acid tyramine. In the human body, tyramine helps produce the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, which makes the brain more alert and makes it harder to fall asleep.
3. Spicy Food
Eating too much spicy food for dinner can lead to sleep problems. For people with heartburn, eating spicy food for dinner and then lying down will worsen the condition and affect sleep. Therefore, experts suggest that it is better to eat spicy food earlier in the day rather than later.
4. Processed or Smoked Meats
Experts state that processed meats contain large amounts of tyrosine, which can cause the brain to produce exciting dopamine. In addition to disrupting sleep, processed or smoked meats are also the least healthy junk food.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol has a sedative effect, but strangely, drinking can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Experts say that many people relax by drinking, but in fact, alcohol can prevent the body from entering the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) deep sleep stage. Because of this, many people fall into a deep sleep after drinking but still feel groggy the next day.
6. Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate contains tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into the stimulant dopamine, leading to nighttime alertness, tossing and turning, and inability to sleep.
7. Ginseng Tea
Some herbal teas have a sedative effect. However, it's best not to add ginseng. Some people have no reaction after drinking ginseng tea, but others experience insomnia and high blood pressure. Experts recommend avoiding ginseng tea for a few hours before bedtime.