We think about sleep health a lot. In addition to the right bedding, there are other environmental and behavioural things you can do to improve your sleep. However, one aspect which is overlooked is the impact of diet.
Our friends at DR.VEGAN® explain the link between diet and poor sleep and how looking after your diet is the first place to start for better quality sleep.
A reminder of the importance of sleep
Sleep can sometimes be undervalued. Sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy body and mind. It can help support your immune system and mental performance. There are many essential functions that happen while we are asleep, from self-repair to memory consolidation. Occasional poor sleep won’t have much impact on your overall health and wellbeing; however, regular poor-quality sleep can have an impact on some major health issues.
The most common sleep problems
DR.VEGAN’s latest sleep research found that 73% of people struggle to sleep at least 3 nights a week. The most common sleep problems uncovered by DR.VEGAN’s research include 'waking up throughout the night’, ‘not waking up feeling refreshed’ and ‘wake up too early and can’t go back to sleep’.
Chart of most common sleep issues: Source Dr Vegan
How diet impacts sleep
Your diet and eating habits can have an impact on the duration and quality of your sleep, which in turn has an impact on your daily wellbeing. DR.VEGAN® found that 67% of people say their diet gets more unhealthy when they are suffering from poor sleep. This has a circular effect on the body; when the body is tired and lacks energy, the inability to think clearly can result in poor food choices being made, and poor food choices play a role in a disruptive night's sleep. This highlights why a healthy, balanced diet is vital for better sleep.
For better quality sleep, include foods like pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, spinach, seeds, black beans and avocados in your diet. If you want to fall asleep faster and for longer, incorporate foods like kiwis and tart cherry juice.
Learn more about the nutrients your body needs for sleep and how the gut and brain are connected.
Can sleep supplements help?
Vegan Nights® by DR.VEGAN® is an advanced nootropic formula for better, deeper and more regenerative sleep. Vegan Nights® is expertly formulated with naturally sourced, plant-based ingredients, including Griffonia Seed Extract, L-Glycine and L-Theanine, along with Magnesium, Zinc and Chamomile, that work in harmony to create the optimal conditions to put your mind and body at rest.
Two-thirds of people who take Vegan Nights® find it effective in improving their sleep. 80% of people enjoy better sleep within 4 weeks after they start taking Vegan Nights®.
The most common benefits of Vegan Nights® are the help it provides in falling asleep and falling back to sleep more quickly if you wake up in the middle of the night, as well as providing deeper and higher quality sleep.
Create your free Diet Profile on drvegan.com and discover what your diet may be missing to support your sleep.
