Sleep is a very important part of wellness. So many people suffer from insomnia, and don’t realize that many of the foods that we eat or beverages that we drink are keeping us awake.
A rapid drop in blood sugar during the night is an important cause of sleep insomnia because it causes the release of hormones that regulate glucose, cortisol and growth hormones. These compounds stimulate the brain. They are a natural sign that its time to eat.
Eating throughout the day to control blood sugar levels is the first step in stabilizing the blood sugar levels throughout the night, and all throughout the day! Eating every 2-3 hours helps to stabilize and maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Eat plenty of protein, greens, and healthy fats, and a small amount of organic grain such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, or a small sweet potato, and drink plenty of water…half your weight in ounces.
A good bedtime snack that can help blood sugar levels steady throughout the nights is a small bowl of oatmeal! Tryptophan is an amino acid that is helpful in promoting sleep and can be found in almonds, nuts, chicken, turkey and eggs. Tryptophan is needed for the body to produce serotonin, and serotonin is used to make melatonin which is a hormone that helps to control your sleep and wake cycles. Stay away from caffeine, eliminate alcohol, and avoid low blood sugar to foster and enjoy a good night’s sleep which is so important in maintaining balance in harmonious health 4 life!
Wishing you harmonious health 4 life!
Wendy
UPDATED AUGUEST 12, 2016
