If you had a big bowl of pasta and some chocolate cake for dessert, it might explain why you’re having trouble sleeping. Some new research has found a close association between diet and insomnia that might help you answer the perplexing question of why you can’t sleep.
Americans eat a lot of “refined” carbs. Stuff like white bread and pasta, cake, cookies, sugary sweets, and drinks are central components of the “Standard American Diet.” Insomnia is becoming a standard part of American life, with estimates suggesting that roughly 30-percent of the population suffers from it.
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A recent study from Columbia University in New York looked at diet-linked fluctuations in blood sugar and sleep. Researchers focused on the glycemic index of food—how much and how quickly they boost blood sugar-to assess sleep patterns.
According to the lead author of the study James Gangswichm, “when blood sugar is raised quickly, your body reacts by producing insulin, and the resulting drop in blood sugar can lead to the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can interfere in sleep.”
Looking at food diaries completed by 50,000 older women as part of the ongoing Women’s Health Study, a clear association emerged between high refined-carbohydrate content and insomnia.
On the other hand, those who ate more vegetables, whole fruits, and fiber were much less likely to go through bouts of insomnia and more likely to report high-quality sleep.
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The researchers believe the same results would be found across age groups and genders.
Sleep quality is likely determined by a number of factors, however, it might be heavily influenced by food choices. The nutrients and compounds, or those missing, in various foods cause your body to react in different ways; some conducive to sleep, others not.
If you’re experiencing trouble sleeping at night and practice decent sleep hygiene, consider looking to your diet. Try eating less refined foods and more whole ones, rich in fiber, and you may get the quality shut-eye you desire.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
