Are you having trouble sleeping? It could actually be the foods you are consuming, especially later in the day, keeping you up all night!

In recognition of both National Nutrition Month and National Sleep Awareness Week this March, our team at AFC Urgent Care Lake Oswego wants to help you understand the impact food can have on your quality of sleep.

Am I Getting Enough Sleep at Night?

First things first, let’s nail down how much sleep you need. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Adults age 60 and older can aim for between seven and eight hours per night, while kids and teens need more sleep.

If you’re struggling to get enough sleep each night, you might try incorporating some foods into your diet that are known to promote good sleep.

Foods That Promote Sleep

• Almonds
• Turkey
• Chamomile tea
• Kiwi
• Tart cherry juice
• Fatty fish
• Walnuts
• Passionflower tea

How Do I Know If I Am Sleep-Deprived?

A person is considered to have sleep deprivation when he or she doesn’t get the amount of sleep needed. Sleep deprivation can lead to a number of symptoms like yawning, fatigue, moodiness, irritability and forgetfulness.

While in some cases an underlying sleep condition or other health condition may be to blame for your sleep difficulties, lifestyle factors can also play a role. In fact, the foods you eat can hinder your sleep as much as the foods listed above can help it.

Foods That Hinder Sleep

• Cruciferous vegetables
• Red meat
• Tomato sauce
• Cured meats and cheeses
• Dark chocolate
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Soda

Are you wondering why you are unable to get a good night’s sleep? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Lake Oswego today for a medical evaluation. No appointment is needed!