I speak from experience when I say I know how devastating the lack of sleep or insomnia can be. Functioning normally becomes a real trial and increases the existing stress from the initial lack of sleep. It is a real catch twenty-two situation, one that something like
1 in 4 people worldwide suffer from, and yes, we all at some time resort to sleeping pills. The unfortunate side effect of these is addiction and an inability to sleep with out taking the pills. Sometimes they can be unavoidable in order to get some relief, but stop at just one or a half tablet when you feel you are stretched to the limit.

It pays to look closely at your lifestyle, and the relationships that are part of your life. What you eat, how you live, work and how you react to other individuals on a daily basis. The foods you consume are the first place to start in order to optimize the chance of a good nights sleep. The four substances that are at the top of the list as a deterrent of sleep are alcohol, caffeine, sugar and nicotine. Other foods that affect your sleeping patterns include proteins like cheese and red meat. Cheese contains amino acids that interfere with the serotonin production in the body.

An avid coffee drinker, I have cut back from ten cups a day to three and then avoiding it after 3pm , as it takes between three and five hours to leave your system. Therefore, in the run up to your bedtime it makes sense to avoid coffee. Caffeine is also found in tea, chocolates and some cold remedies available from the chemist. Look at the ingredients of the processed foods and medications for more accurate information.

Today sugar is quoted as getting kids hyperactive, whether there is truth in that I do not know but certainly, sugar in any quantity before bedtime is not inducive to a good nights sleep. Smoking cigarettes or products with nicotine in them are also not recommended.
Alcohol needs to be taken in moderation as it can be a relaxant in itself but the effects wear off. Consumption in the evening prior to bed may have you dropping off at bed time ,but waking after three or four hours and then to find going back to sleep easier said than done.

Some people do have allergies or intolerances to some foods and it is wise to investigate food that may be a problem. Other issues that affect your sleep may include eating a big meal before you go to bed. Sleeping positions are not the best to ensure a normal digestion process. You are likely to end up with flatulence, heartburn and indigestion all of which hinder sleeping, added to which the discomfort itself is unpleasant. Start changing some of these habits and see if your sleeping patterns change. Insomnia can be beaten if you can find the key as to why it affects you.