People suffering
with sleep disorders can make changes to their diet to help them more effectively regulate the
body's metabolism, according to one expert.
Any food or drink which alters the circadian rhythm – the changing levels of
hormones, neurotransmitters and chemical messengers in someone's physiology –
can affect their sleep patterns, states Helena Oades, nutritionist and director
of Zealhealth.co.uk.
The level of cortisol – a hormone which is associated with stress – in the
blood is often affected by diet, she said.
"It can … be influenced by sugar and stimulants, such as tea, coffee
and other caffeinated drinks, cigarettes and alcohol," Ms Oades explained.
Individuals worried about losing sleep can also drink Chamomile tea before
they go to bed as the beverage has less caffeine than normal tea and has a
soothing effect.
The mental health charity Mind advises people to
adopt a relaxation routine at night and if they fail to get to sleep on some
occasions they should get out of bed and restart the process again.
© Adfero Ltd
Sleep disorders treatment news : 20 November 2011
