The Number One Habit That Causes Insomnia

Sleep is definitely trending as a cure-all for many issues. Heart disease, diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure and many other chronic disorders are linked to lack of sleep. Your body has a central clock and a separate clock in each type of cells! Crazy, right?

The are three powerful molecules that are easily interrupted by the typical American lifestyle. Along with way too little sleep, you probably consume too much caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and processed food. Although shutting off screens is certainly necessary, one habit is linked to the disruption of three powerful sleep regulating molecules.

Top 3 Sleep Molecules

1. Insulin

Insulin keeps your blood sugar even between meals.  As long as you are eating small, balanced meals of protein, veggies and fats, all is well.  When you eat late at night and consume alcohol, insulin dampens the effect of melatonin.

2. Melatonin

Melatonin calms the body and prepares it for sleep. There is a tiny little gland in your brain called the pineal gland.  It senses light and dark. Therefore, it is partially responsible for our natural wake/sleep cycle and the production of these two molecules. Insulin disrupts this rhythm when you eat late at night.

3. Cortisol

Cortisol, a potential inflammation producer, keeps your blood sugar even when you skip meals and also wakes you up in the morning. However, when you eat late at night, and your blood sugar crashes in the middle of the night, cortisol will wake you up by trying to restore your blood sugar.  Obviously, this will interrupt your sleep.

The Worst Habit for Insomnia

The common habit of eating late at night is compound by drinking alcohol.  Get all your food and alcohol consumption completed by 7pm.  You should eat a larger lunch and then a smaller dinner. Your body will need less insulin to manage the small meal. Skipping meals and gorging in the evening is the worst thing you can do for sleep. Small meals and consistent blood sugar will leave you sleeping like a baby all night long.