Reducing Internal Stimulants For An Insomnia Cure

Along with external stimulants come several internal stimulants that you should try to avoid. The following foods and beverages contain caffeine, sugars, and chemicals that may affect the way you relax, think, and feel. This doesn’t mean that you have to eliminate these items from your diet entirely. It simply means that you should avoid them in the evenings after your last meal of the day.

• Caffeine affects everyone differently but is generally considered a stimulant that increases your heart rate and wakens your mind and body. Try to have your last caffeine-based drink three to four hours before bedtime. Caffeine can be found in drinks other than coffee, including colas, non-herbal teas, and chocolate drinks.



• Chocolate contains both caffeine and enormous amounts of sugars and your body reacts to sugar in much the same way as it does to caffeine. It stimulates your body and mind for a short period of time. Try to avoid chocolate at least two to three hours before bedtime.



• Soda Drinks contain huge amounts of sugar and ‘colas’ also contain substantial quantities of caffeine. The carbonation of soda drinks can also cause bloating and stomach gas which can create discomfort. Try to eliminate soda beverages from your evening diet.



• Alcoholic beverages should be avoided before bed. Alcohol may make you drowsy and cause you to fall asleep easily. However, you may find yourself waking during the night feeling dehydrated and have difficulty falling asleep again. Although you may find an evening glass of wine relaxing, you do not want to become dependent upon it as a sleep aid. This could lead to a reliance on alcohol to signal your body that it is time for sleep, thus leading to addiction.



• Smoking can signal your body to wake during the night as your body's need for nicotine increases toward the morning hours. If at all possible try to reduce the amount you smoke before bedtime. Remember that you not only need to fall asleep naturally, but also to remain asleep for the entire night.

Caffeine in common beverages and drugs: