Coffee, Tea or Sleep?

For many people like autoimmune warriors, insomnia can be a real problem as chronic pain makes it hard to sleep through the night. Here are a few practices that help set the tone for a good night’s rest. 

🌜Unplug –  Turn off your phone, computer, tablet, and TV a couple of hours before bedtime.  Research shows that the artificial light interferes with sleep hormones in the brain.  Unplugging allows the body time to shut down properly so the mind and body can “reboot” and recharge itself with energy for the new day.

🌛Coffee, Tea or Sleep –  Avoid “stimulants” in the evenings. These are foods that contain caffeine, like coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. They contain chemicals that stimulate the brain to keep you awake and alert.  Alcohol is also on the list because it can make you feel sick or agitated instead of relaxed. This is especially important if you take prescribed meds. Add water to the list. Stop drinking water after 6 or if you must then little sips. It’s impossible to get a good night’s sleep if you’re going potty all night.

🌙DONT EAT– Certain foods cause digestion problems that can keep you up through the night. For #rheumatoidarthritis patients, it’s important to avoid foods that will cause more inflammation and, subsequently, more pain. AVOID THEM.

🌛DO EAT- Foods and drinks that contain magnesium, melatonin, and other sleep inducing properties. These foods are great for evening snacks; turkey, almonds, walnuts, kiwi, bananas, and oatmeal. Herbal teas with chamomile, lavender, valerian, and lemon balm are also good to drink before bedtime

🌛Schedule Bedtime-
Like work, sleep is necessary for your survival. Make going to bed on time a priority so that you can get all the sleep hours you need. When the sun rises, so do you. When it sets, you get somewhere and SET DOWN, too.

🌜Set the Mood- A comfy and cozy room makes a better place to relax. Appeal to your senses. Keep your bedroom clutter free, dimly lit, use relaxing scents (candles, essential oil diffuser) ,quality sheets that feel good to your skin, and invest in a good, supportive mattress. 

🌜Release All Worries-  End your day. Tomorrow is a New Day.🌞