Thanksgiving is one of the biggest food holidays of the year, but did you know that what you eat significantly impacts sleep? Here’s what you need to know for this holiday season and how you should eat to get the best sleep.
What to eat
Great news! Some of the biggest thanksgiving staples are great for sleep. Turkey and dairy are at the top of this list. Both contain tryptophan, which is closely associated with REM sleep. Turkey also contains protein, which helps regulate your hunger. That being said, overeating can cause significant problems, so having a healthy serving of turkey can help you avoid overindulging on other things, like dessert.
Nuts are another great food for sleep that’s probably on your Thanksgiving table. Nuts contain melatonin, magnesium, and zinc, which help essential body functions, including sleep.
What not to eat
We’ve all experienced that post-Thanksgiving meal nap, right? Carbs are usually the culprit behind that. Carbs increase your blood sugar which can increase your insulin, causing drowsiness. If you already have sleep issues, this can disrupt your sleep routine. While this is something you should keep in mind on Thanksgiving, don’t avoid carbs entirely. Ensure your plate is balanced with protein and fats, and listen to your hunger cues. One way to do this is to take a small plate of food, take a break after eating it, and go back for seconds if you still feel hungry.
Stay mindful of what you drink, too. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep cycle. Also, avoid too many sweetened drinks. The key to all of these drinks is moderation. For example: if you want to eat pumpkin pie, consider skipping the soda.
Habits to Consider
While the food of Thanksgiving can impact your sleep, it’s important to remember that it’s not the only factor impacting it. Make sure you keep your sleep routine in check. Go to bed at the same time you usually do and wake up at the same time you usually do. Stop eating around 3 hours before bedtime. Sleep hygiene is one of the best ways to ensure a good sleep schedule, so don’t miss out on Thanksgiving.
How To Recover
Let’s say that you have a little too much fun and find yourself going to bed later than normal, drinking more than normal, or perhaps breaking your own rules in order to hit the Black Friday sales. What then? Breaking your own sleep routine can lead to a bad cycle of sleeplessness, so get your sleep back on track as soon as possible.
Here is a blog with tips for getting sleep back on track: https://advancedhomecareonline.com/how-to-get-sleep-back-on-track/
Are you struggling to get the sleep you need? If you’ve tried our 5-day plan but still have issues, it might be time to consider a sleep study. Visit: https://advancedhomecareonline.com/sleep-studies/ to get started.
