Nutrition and Health Consultant

7 secrets to a great nights sleep…
These seven secrets to a great nights sleep should have you snoozing peacefully in no time. With suggestions for how to maintain optimum protein and oil production, make best use of your circadian rhythm and ease your adrenals, this article is designed for those on-the-go people who want to live well, play well and sleep well.

·         Get your beauty sleep by going to bed as early as possible. Our systems, particularly the adrenals, do a majority of their recharging or recovering during the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Also if you are awake, the detoxification process is impaired causing further disruption of your health.

 ·       Eat foods containing proteins & oils as a bedtime snack. Instead of sugars and grains alone, take nuts & seeds or oatcakes & hummus. This will balance blood sugar levels and optimise sleep, preventing blood sugar dropping too low and you waking up hungry.

·         Take relaxing herbal teas and avoid caffeine. A recent study showed that in some people, caffeine is not metabolized efficiently and therefore they can feel the effects long after consuming it. Drink relaxing teas in the evening such as chamomile, valerian, lime blossom or calming ayurvedic blends.

Establish a bedtime routine. Include gentle Dru Yoga, meditation or massage withessential oils such as lavender, geranium & sandalwood in a base oil.

·         Sleep in complete darkness or as close as possible. If there is even the tiniest bit of light in the room it can disrupt your circadian rhythm and your pineal gland's production of melatonin and serotonin.

·         No TV or computer for 2 hours before bed. They stimulate adrenal and other hormones which prevent you falling asleep.

·         Listen to a relaxation CD like Dru Deep Relaxation to fully relax your body and mind & feel great!