If you have trouble sleeping, you’re likely already familiar with the most common foods and drinks that can impact sleep. Having caffeinated drinks too late in the day, drinking alcohol in the evening or eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can all disrupt sleep. But sometimes, trouble sleeping isn’t due to something you need to cut out; it could be due to a nutrient you’re not getting enough of. Similar to how certain nutrients provide the body with energy, other nutrients can help the body and mind relax. Sleep is a complex biological process that depends on a balance of hormones, neurotransmitters and nervous system signals. When that balance is off, it can make falling asleep or staying asleep feel frustratingly out of reach. Stress, aging, certain medications and even intense exercise can increase your body’s demand for specific nutrients involved in relaxation and recovery. Many people focus on sleep hygiene habits like limiting screens, dimming lights and keeping their bedroom cool, which are all helpful. But nutrition is often the missing piece of the puzzle. If your body doesn’t have what it needs to produce calming neurotransmitters or regulate your circadian rhythm, those habits may only get you part of the way there. This is especially true as we age, since nutrient absorption can decline over time. Even people who eat a healthy diet can still for short of key minerals or vitamins that support sleep quality. As a sleep doctor and two registered dietitians explain here, there’s one nutrient in particular that plays a crucial role in priming the body for sleep, and it’s one that many people don’t get enough of.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This Common Nutrient Deficiency Is Quietly Ruining Women Sleep
