Insulin, the hormone that regulates blood-sugar levels in the body, is linked to sleep disorders, according to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Too much insulin, often caused by stimulants and stress, sabotages your body's ability to maintain its blood-sugar levels at night, making it impossible to sleep. Through a strict diet and relaxation methods, it is possible to naturally reduce the insulin in your body, allowing you to have a restful night.
Instructions
1. Eat a high-protein breakfast every day. Eggs, meat and protein shakes are excellent sources of morning protein. Some traditional breakfast foods, such as cereal, toast and juice, will increase insulin because of their high-sugar content.
2. Avoid stimulants, such as coffee, candy, juice and caffeinated sodas, throughout the day. Sugar and caffeine will increase your insulin levels, which can cause sleepless nights.
3. Eat low-glycemic foods, or foods that cause small increases in blood-sugar levels, every two to three hours throughout the day. Good examples of low-glycemic snacks are nuts, seeds, eggs and vegetables.
4. Use relaxation methods to avoid stress and anxiety. Try thinking about stressful moments that occurred and replace the people in them with cartoon characters or humorous events. Just thinking about those stressful moments and taking away the seriousness of them in your mind can instantly relax you. You should also try lying on your back in a dark room and concentrating on nothing but your breathing. Breathe in deeply through your nose until your stomach extends, and then exhale slowly through your mouth until your stomach flattens. Repeat at least 10 times.
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