Stress and anxiety can have several effects on the body, with one being the amount and quality of sleep one gets at night.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s very understandable that many are in an increased state of stress and experiencing a variety of anxious feelings.
The importance of getting a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. During sound sleep, the body works to restore and replenish. A lack of sleep can have adverse effects on your heart, lungs, immune system, metabolism, and it can even alter your mood.
Poor sleep can even contribute to increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and depression.
During this pandemic, make an effort to get plentiful sleep. One way to help accomplish this goal begins with diet.
Avoid eating late, and make sure breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks) are nutritious. Try to frontload your caloric intake (eating bigger meals earlier in the day) to provide energy throughout the day — eat at least three hours before bedtime for better sleep.
Try to incorporate these “sleep superfoods” into your diet to benefit your ZZZs.
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Greek yogurt
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Fish
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Bananas
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Broccoli
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Almonds (or walnuts)
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Orange and red tomatoes
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Kale
But if you really feel the need to snack at night, try a small amount of these favorites (while also avoiding sleep-killing foods like red meat, fried and spicy foods, sugars, coffee and alcohol):
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Peanut butter on whole wheat with sliced banana
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Celery and hummus
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Popcorn (with parmesan cheese instead of butter)
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Oatmeal
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Tart cherry juice
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Chamomile tea
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Milk