1. SLEEPING POORLY, OR NOT ENOUGH
With our stressful modern lives, it can be heard to get enough sleep every night. Good quality sleep is vital to our physical and mental health. Over time, poor sleeping habits can result in chronic health problems such as depression, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Try to prioritize the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep. For better quality of sleep, avoid caffeine in the afternoon and give your body some time to wind down before going to bed.
2. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Maybe you’ve been overdoing it when it comes to the nightcap. Booze can be detrimental to your sleep cycle and make you feel drowsy the next day. Either avoid drinking at night or give your body a few hours to process the alcohol before you hit the sack.
3. SNACKING ON SWEETS
You might find yourself munching on cookies and candy before bedtime (especially if you stay up late). These sugary snacks can rack up the calories and make you pack on the pounds. Next time your sweet teeth demands satisfaction, opt for fruit instead.
4. YOU’RE GLUED TO THE SCREEN
Are you glued to your devices until the the moment you shut your eyes? The constant scrolling only distracts you and prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. The blue light also interferes with your body’s ability to produce melatonin, the hormone the regulates your circadian rhythm. For a more restful night, try to disconnect from technology an hour before you tuck in.
5. FRIED FOODS FOR DINNER
Fried and fatty foods are hard to digest and can also affect the quality of your sleep. If you eat a bunch of French fries before going to bed, you might experience stomach pains and other discomforts that make it impossible to go to sleep. A healthier, nutritious dinner is not only kinder for your waistline — it will make you feel better in the morning too.
6. HEAVY MEALS
Eating a heavy dinner can make your stomach go into overdrive in order to digest all of that food. This revs up your metabolism and makes it harder for you to sleep. Save the heavier meals for the daytime to sleep sounder and avoid weight gain.
7. STAYING UP LATE
Maybe you told yourself you would watch one more episode, and suddenly it’s 2 AM! Whatever it is that’s keeping you up at night, it’s messing with your sleep cycle. By sleeping late, you’re tempted to snack more and may even gain weight as a result. Get the shut eye you deserve by going to bed earlier (and at the same time every night, if possible).
