In addition to investing in the right mattress and Eight Sleep Pod Cover, we can optimize our sleep through various lifestyle habits. Important practices are usually considered to be: eating the right food, drinking enough water, and using supplements. However, with the correct sleep environment, including temperature personalization, you may find that you don’t need to rely on expensive supplements anymore. Here are some tips we find helpful when it comes to optimizing our intake to facilitate restful, restorative sleep.
For one, eating a large meal or spicy foods close to bedtime can cause discomfort and indigestion. With that in mind, the negative impacts on sleep are self-evident. On the other hand, a light snack before bedtime that contains complex carbohydrates and a small amount of protein can actually make it easier to “hit the hay.” Foods rich in tryptophan, such as turkey, milk, and bananas can also be helpful before bedtime because tryptophan is a precursor to the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter serotonin.
Don’t forget to hydrate: it’s important to note here that dehydration can cause disruptions in sleep, so make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, drinking too much water right before bed can cause the need for frequent trips to the bathroom during the night, interrupting yours and potentially others’ rest.
Now we’ll take a quick look at supplements that may help promote better sleep, including magnesium glycinate, theanine, apigenin, GABA, glycine, and melatonin. Before you embark on self-experimentation with supplements, we recommend addressing the sleep environment, especially the all-important personalized sleep temperature which is optimal for you, to gain a great night’s sleep.
- Magnesium glycinate: This is a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed by the body and is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep. Magnesium is involved in many processes in the body, including the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, and deficiency in magnesium has been linked to sleep problems.
- Theanine: This is an amino acid found in tea that has been shown to have relaxing effects on the body. It is often used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, both of which can help improve sleep quality.
- Apigenin: This is a flavonoid found in many plants, including chamomile. It has been shown to have sedative effects and is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- GABA: This is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of sleep. Like the others, it is often used as a supplement to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- Glycine: This is an amino acid that has been shown to have sleep-promoting effects. It is often used to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
- Melatonin: This is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. It is often used as a supplement to promote sleep and regulate the sleep-wake cycle; however, it is involved in many other bodily functions. Many experts do not recommend melatonin for regular use. Instead, it should be used in rare cases like when traveling to beat jetlag.
It’s important to note that while these supplements may be helpful in promoting sleep, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. This is not meant to be medical advice.
Before going down the road of unending supplement consumption, try to cover the basics first: careful with caffeine and alcohol, slow your mind before bed, reduce light and noise, and, most importantly, find the best temperature-controlled and motion-reducing sleep environment you can.
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