Tips to help you snooze

If you find you are having trouble sleeping and you are completely exhausted, you may want to consider that aged old remedy of a glass of warm milk. Science is now supporting this old fashioned remedy and there are many other simple natural treatments available if you are having trouble sleeping that can be found in your kitchen.

Think about this, after the Christmas turkey is consumed and everyone feels sleepy and ready for a rest, it isn’t simply a full stomach that is causing the problem. Turkey is a food that is so rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid which is the building block for serotonin. Serotonin slows nerve activity and calms the brain and sends a “happy” feel good message throughout the body. Now if you add a dark room to this scenario, the brain then converts the serotonin to another hormone, which is melatonin and this regulates sleep.

Top tips if you are having trouble sleeping before bed are:

Warm milk.  
Chamomile tea is another good natural relaxant before bed.
Chia seeds are very high in tryptophan.
Wheatgerm  is brilliant to help induce sleep. Sprinkle it on some yoghurt.

Magnesium is also a good mineral supplement for people who are having trouble sleeping.(Consult with your G.P first) 

Last but not least, if you are having trouble sleeping, avoid alcohol, caffeine, high fatty foods and sugar before bed.

Never under estimate the power of a good nights sleep.  Dietary modifications, regular exercise and a sleep friendly environment when it comes to achieving a restful nights sleep will improve your wellness dramatically.