How to Sleep Better - Watch Your Intake

Many people often ask the question how to sleep better, and the answer is different for all of us, because we are all different! There are some common "sleep tips" we can all use to get better sleep though. If no one has pointed it out to you before, take a look at what you are putting into your body on a daily basis. The human body is one absolutely incredible system, and everything interacts with each other. What you may not think is a contributing factor to you have sleep problems, could be the reason you're not getting a good night's sleep.

One of the most obvious things to take a look at is coffee and other sources of caffeine. The caffeine from coffee, teas and sodas stays in your system for anywhere from six to twelve hours! This of course all depends on the individual, and that's why I said the answer is different for all of us. There are people who can drink a cup of coffee an hour before laying down and then sleep through the night with no problems. Others are completely affected by one cup of coffee that they had mid-morning.

Think a heavy meal is the answer? For some it is, but others it totally interferes with the ability to fall asleep. A light snack is usually a better choice. Dairy products such as some cheese or a glass of milk, or a turkey sandwich are good choices. Both of these contain an amino acid that helps you to fall sleep. Just think to last Thanksgiving, did you eat a lot of turkey and then get all sleepy?

Lastly, watch your alcohol intake. You may be tempted to think that drinking alcohol will cause you to "pass out" and go to sleep, and while that may be true, you won't get good sleep. Drinking alcohol really messes with your body and your sleep significantly. It will disrupt your sleep pattern, and often times actually make you wake up as you need to go to the bathroom and releave yourself - which can then leave you awake for hours. If that's the case, did you really get better sleep at all?