Sleep deprivation is a form of everyday torture that a startling number of people inflict upon themselves.
A staggering 40 per cent of Australians aren’t getting enough sleep and, according to one nutritionist, it all boils down to diet.
The bedtime snacks we indulge in before slumber can either help or severely hinder sleeping patterns, Sydney nutritionist, Lyndi Cohen, told the Today Show.
The bedtime snacks we indulge in before slumber can either help or severely hinder sleeping patterns, Sydney nutritionist Lyndi Cohen (pictured) told the Today Show
A staggering 40 per cent of Australians aren’t getting enough sleep and, according to one nutritionist, it all boils down to diet.
‘When you don’t get enough sleep it increases your hormone ghrelin, and ghrelin is the guy that makes you hungry,’ Lyndi said.
‘So you have bigger cravings, want to eat more food and you can’t be satiated.’
Rather than bingeing on large meals before sleep, there are a few light foods which are perfect for helping your body drift into dreamland.
Lyndi recommends eating or drinking dairy which increases your brain’s melatonin, and opting for something like a glass of warm milk, ricotta cheese or yoghurt.
‘When you don’t get enough sleep it increases your hormone ghrelin, and ghrelin is the guy that makes you hungry,’ Lyndi said
Lyndi recommends eating or drinking dairy which increases your brain’s melatonin, such as a glass of warm milk, ricotta cheese or yoghurt (Stock image)
A handful of nuts which are rich in fibre and protein is also a healthy option before bed and will kick the cravings and leave your fuller for longer.
‘If you have been fed milk as a baby you have this nostalgia and it does help,’ Lyndi explained.
‘[Nuts have] tryptophan that’s going to help with the melatonin production and it helps you fall asleep.’
In addition, Lyndi warns to stay away from high sugar foods such as chocolate biscuits or ice cream, alcohol, spicy foods and tea or coffee.
Lyndi also warns to stay away from high sugar foods such as chocolate biscuits or ice cream, alcohol, spicy foods and tea or coffee
These foods are full of carbohydrates and keep your body awake because it is still working hard and digesting.
Overindulging before bedtime in the wrong snacks can then have a detrimental effect on sleep – which then can fast-track a plethora of health problems such as the risk of cancer or diabetes.
The nutritionist says sleep should be treated as a ‘necessity not a luxury’ and Australians need to start getting enough slumber.