If you CAN'T SLEEP, read this. Here are 6 KEYS to focus on you've been ignoring:
#1 Glycine
Glycine has been shown to:
◇ Help stop nighttime urination
◇ Improve sleep satisfaction
◇ Improve daytime alertness
It acts as a neurotransmitter to promote sleep (NMDA).
#2 Undereating
Not saying to stuff your face, but if you undereat on total calories and especially on carbs - this can ruin your sleep by:
➜ Lowering leptin / raising orexin (prevents sleep)
➜ Increasing cortisol and other stress hormones
Ensure you're getting enough.
#3 Circadian rhythm
This goes beyond just avoiding screens at night.
Your body wants to have regular eating and sleeping times, to coordinate cellular activity and hormone secretion.
If you don't have this, your body doesn't know when to lower cortisol and raise melatonin for sleep.
#4 Gut health
If your gut is irritated, especially at night:
◈ The gut's nervous system signals to the brain wakefulness
◈ Inflammation ensues, triggering stress systemically
◈ Bloating can interfere with proper breathing patterns
People with IBS have more than double the risk of having sleep disorders.
#5 Anti-stress nutrients
Calories are huge of course, but lacking certain micronutrients will also leave you susceptible to stress, especially:
◈ Magnesium
◈ Vitamin C
◈ Potassium
◈ Vitamin D
◈ Vitamin E
◈ Vitamin B6
#6 Liver function
The liver's main role during sleep is to maintain blood sugar throughout the night.
If it can't store sugar properly, then you will end up waking up, craving food.