A better night’s sleep

Lack of sleep increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, for instance. The recommended amount of sleep ranges from about six to eight hours. But what can you do to sleep better? Here are our tips.

You are what you eat, but did you know that certain foods also have a negative effect on sleep? For instance, it is better to use olive oil instead of coconut oil because the latter contains palmitic acid, a substance that makes it harder to sleep through the night. Also, avoid drinking cola, alcohol, coffee and some teas in the evening because these drinks contain stimulants that disrupt sleep. High-sugar foods and drinks or spicy foods are another no-no. So, what can you eat and drink? Cherry juice and kiwi fruit are the perfect evening drink and snack that can help you fall asleep faster. 

Other things you can try are avoiding blue light before going to bed. This means banning mobile phones, tablets and the like from your bedroom. Also, make sure the room is well-ventilated and there is plenty of fresh air. A room that is too hot and stuffy is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. Create a quiet, peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom. And, if your bed partner snores, use earplugs to block out the noise.

Do you have any other sleep tips?