We all know that late afternoon cup of coffee, watching TV and playing on our mobiles can contribute to a poor night of sleep, but did you know that things like toothpaste and
dieting can also play a role?
If you suffer from insomnia and have tried everything from breathing exercises to herbal tea and not found relief, then you may want to take a look at some of these surprising and unexpected things that can also contribute to insomnia:
1. Toothpaste
Make no mistake, toothpaste should be part of any good hygiene regime especially
before bed, but certain chemicals in toothpaste may contribute to insomnia. One study
found that Aluminium-Fluoride complex or A1Fx present in some toothpastes could be
linked to insomnia.
Aside from this, the minty fresh feeling can also be extremely
invigorating, giving you a burst of energy. While we definitely don’t recommend skipping
your nightly brushing, perhaps using a more natural toothpaste may be the way to go. You might also want to consider brushing your teeth straight after dinner so the minty
freshness has dissipated before bedtime.
2. Dieting
Dieting or inconsistent eating can also keep you up at night and make it more challenging to fall asleep. It is believed that eating inconsistently throughout the day can
upset your internal body clock and make it difficult for your body to adjust to a routine.
Studies have also shown that inconsistent eating habits later in the evening can also
cause disturbances that can make it harder for you to fall asleep. When it comes to
getting a good night of sleep, consistency is key. Consider setting up a routine and eating at the same time ever day, this will help your body clock to adjust and may help you to get a better night of slumber.
3. Washing Your Face with Cold Water
Just like toothpaste offers that minty fresh feel, washing your face with cold water can
also wake you up and make it harder to fall asleep. When cold water touches your face it
stimulates your body, which releases energy and makes it harder to fall asleep. The good
news is that there is an easy fix- simply replace your cold water with warm water instead
for a peaceful night of dreaming.
4. Taking Vitamins at Night
Unless otherwise directed, it may be best to save your vitamins for first thing in the
morning, rather than at night. Some vitamins like B6 and B12 can help to boost you energy levels, making it harder to fall asleep. Some vitamins and minerals can also boost
mental performance, which can also make it harder to turn your mind off for a peaceful
night of slumber. Unless your doctor recommends otherwise, consider taking your
vitamins in the morning or with your lunch instead of in the evening.
5. Eating Fruit at Night
Fruit may seem like a healthy dessert option, but it can also contribute to a poor night of
sleep. Fruit contains natural sugars which are released slowly giving you sustained
energy. Fruit also contains a rich source of vitamins and minerals. While all these things
are great during the day, when consumed at night they can make it harder to fall asleep
and stay asleep.
If you are struggling to fall asleep perhaps do an inventory of your daily routine and see if one of these unexpected factors may be contributing.
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