Let’s focus on one thing in particular that lack of sleep does to our bodies: it causes indigestion. How can we stop this from happening? Read on to find out ways you can tell if you suffer with this and how to fix it.
Identifying the problem
There are many reasons why we can’t fall asleep at night. Whether we’re thinking of what we could have done differently throughout the day, dealing with stress and anxiety, or suffering with heartburn. There’s always a reason behind this problem (and more times than not we can’t figure out why this happens). Studies show that if you suffer with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) you’re more prone to staying up all night than someone without it. When you suffer with IBS, you crave more foods and feel fatigued often. In order for you to feel better, you intake more food than needed which causes you to stay up later at night. Your stomach needs to digest food before you fall asleep and it can be very hard to do this when you eat a lot during the day (and before bed).
Fixing the problem
Now that you know what’s going on inside of your body, you can take the necessary steps needed to fix the problems. We’ve compiled a list for you to follow in hopes that it benefits you (as much as it did for us)!
Balance your blood sugar
People who suffer with nocturnal hypoglycemia are more prone to be woken up during the night for a snack. How can you prevent this from happening (especially when it’s a medical condition)? Try eating small meals every few hours while avoiding sugary foods and drinks. If you’d like a little more information on how to control your hypoglycemia to get a better night’s sleep, check out this free ebook. It’s filled with recipes that will keep your body (and gut) happy and healthy day and night.
Drop the midnight-snack
We get it. Everyone craves chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. However, these sugar foods will keep your mind going throughout the entire night. Not only will they keep you up at night, but they’ll be almost impossible to digest. It usually takes about 6 hours to digest foods (and large meals). If you’re going to eat anything, stick to a handful of almonds. Your gut will thank you for the snack (and will be able to digest the almonds in a quicker amount of time).
Prop your pillow upright
A lot of people that suffer from IBS deal with reflux. You definitely don’t want to fall asleep on your stomach if you deal with IBS and reflux. When you prop your pillow upright, the chances of you suffering from reflux drop astronomically. Sleeping on your side (with your pillows propped upright) is another great way to sleep (if you can’t fall asleep on your back). If you do this, you should alternate from side to side each night.
Have a cup of tea and take time to unwind
Chamomile tea acts as a mild sedative for sleep, and many people find that it helps reduce their stress! It can also help with nausea and indigestion (which is what we’re talking about in this entire article)! If you take time do drink your tea while journaling (or doing a form of yoga) you will fall asleep much faster. What methods will you try to fall asleep faster? What have you done in the past that has helped you? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to share this with friends and family to see what they say!
