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Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime from "summary" of Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
One crucial element of optimizing your sleep is being mindful of what you eat and when you eat it. Heavy meals close to bedtime can disrupt your body's natural sleep cycle, making it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. When you consume a large meal right before bed, your body has to work overtime to digest the food, which can lead to discomfort and even indigestion. This can cause you to toss and turn in bed, making it difficult to get the restful sleep you need to feel rejuvenated in the morning. Ideally, you should aim to eat your last meal of the day at least two to three hours before bedtime. This gives your body enough time to digest the food properly before you lay down to sleep. By spacing out your meals throughout the day and avoiding heavy, rich foods in the evening, you can help promote a more restful night's sleep. Instead of reaching for a large, greasy meal close to bedtime, opt for lighter options like a salad or a smoothie that won't weigh you down as you try to drift off to sleep.- It's also important to pay attention to what you're eating throughout the day. Certain foods and drinks can have a negative impact on your sleep quality, such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks. By being mindful of your diet and making healthier choices overall, you can set yourself up for better sleep in the long run. Remember, what you eat and when you eat it can have a significant impact on your sleep quality, so it's important to prioritize your diet as part of your overall sleep routine. By making small changes to your eating habits and being conscious of how they affect your sleep, you can take steps towards improving the quality of your rest.
