Benefits of not Drinking Coffee at Night
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is often a choice to help us power through the day. However, drinking coffee late at night can cause disruptions in normal sleep and can lead to chronic fatigue and lack of focus. For these reasons, the best thing to do is to avoid drinking coffee at night.
Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, works to stimulate the brain and help to increase alertness and focus. However, when caffeine is ingested, it has to be processed by the body and takes several hours. If a person drinks coffee in the evening or late at night, then it can take longer for the body to process and can lead to a disruption in their normal sleep pattern.
In addition, caffeine has been found to increases levels of the sugar glucose in the bloodstream. This can lead to an increase in energy and make it difficult for the body to relax and slow down. It is this release of glucose and energy that can make it hard for people to wind down and eventually fall asleep.
For people who have serious difficulties sleeping, giving up or cutting down on coffee in the evenings is a good way of helping to get better rest. Not drinking coffee at night can help to reset and promote the body’s natural production and release of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep.
This can help to contribute to a higher quality of sleep and more restful nights, which can then lead to a more alert and productive day. Cutting out the late night coffee can also help to prevent chronic fatigue, where the body is constantly tired and feels run down.
Going caffeine free in the evenings has also been linked to reducing stress and anxiety levels, as restful sleep is essential in helping to keep the body and mind healthy and alert.
Disadvantages of Drinking Coffee at Night
Drinking coffee late at night can have a range of detrimental effects on the body. The stimulant effects of caffeine can be felt for up to six hours and can have an effect on the body’s ability to relax and fall asleep.
Our bodies rely on the natural production and release of chemicals, such as melatonin, to encourage a restful sleep and when coffee is ingested late at night, this natural production can be disrupted which can lead to a restless night’s sleep.
Furthermore, when consuming coffee in the evenings, the body will go into overdrive as it tries to process the caffeine and this can lead to a further disruption of the body’s natural processes. This can leave people feeling restless and nerves, with a feeling of being overstimulated.
It is also thought that too much caffeine can actually make us more anxious and prone to stress. Studies have shown that too much caffeine intake can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, which can lead to a range of symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and moodiness.
Repercussions For Drinking Coffee at Night
The repercussions of drinking coffee at night can be quite severe, depending on the level of consumption. Caffeine is a stimulant and so it can have an effect on the brain and body. Higher levels of consumption can lead to a build up of caffeine in the body and this can have a number of detrimental health effects.
Excessive caffeine consumption can disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause insomnia in some cases, preventing people from getting the rest they need. Caffeine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to further health issues.
Long term effects of drinking too much coffee in the evenings can lead to anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue, as the body and mind become fatigued from a lack of restful sleep.
Alternatives of Drinking Coffee
For those who can’t go without their evening cup of coffee, there are some alternatives that can be taken to still get your caffeine kick, without the same negative effects.
Herbal tea is a great option for getting a caffeine hit without the coffee. There is a range of herbal teas to choose from and many of them contain caffeine, but at much lower levels.
Also, decaffeinated coffee can be consumed if desired, as this will still have the flavour of coffee without the same stimulant effects. There are also herbal infusions that can be taken in the evening- these are made with natural ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, mint and lemon balm and are known to help induce sleep and relaxation.
The Benefits of Taking A Digital Detox
Increasingly, we are spending more and more time on our phones, laptops and iPads and while they may bring us convenience, they can also be a source of endless distractions. Taking a digital detox can provide a good break from electronics and can help to relax and recharge, as well as promote better sleep.
The blue light emitted from technology such as smartphones and tablets can be disruptive to our natural circadian rhythm and can make us feel awake and alert when we should be winding down and preparing for restful sleep.
A digital detox also provides an opportunity to unplug and de-stress from work, life and all of the things that can bring us anxiety and constant distraction. Taking a few hours away from the screens can help to bring clarity and peace of mind.
Having a break from technology can also help to foster creativity; when our minds are allowed to wander and drift away from constant connectivity, we can come up with more original ideas and more innovative solutions.
Being able to take a break from technology – even if it is just for one night – will help to boost productivity, increase focus and reduce stress. It can also help to promote better sleep and is a good step towards living a healthier lifestyle.
The Benefits of Getting Enough Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is essential in order to maintain good overall health and wellbeing. When we get enough sleep, we are more alert and able to think clearly and make decisions, as we give our brains the chance to rest and recharge.
Good sleep will also help to reduce stress levels and anxiety, as restful sleep helps to replenish the body’s energy and promotes mental clarity and focus.Getting enough sleep is also essential for managing weight, as inadequate sleep can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, which can lead to an increase in appetite.
Furthermore, getting enough sleep will help to improve physical performance, as our bodies need time to rest and repair, and regular restful sleep can help to restore energy levels.
Finally, getting enough sleep has been linked to increased life expectancy and to reducing risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Foods to Help Aid Restful Sleep
Foods rich in protein, magnesium, calcium and tryptophan can help to promote a restful sleep, as these nutrients are essential for relaxation and promoting deeper sleep. Magnesium and calcium are known to promote relaxation and muscle contraction, while foods high in tryptophan can help to boost serotonin, which can help to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Bananas are a great choice to take before bed, as they contain a high level of magnesium, potassium and carbohydrates. Milk is also a good option; it contains tryptophan and calcium and can help to promote a deep sleep.
Almonds are a good choice for snacks before sleeping, as they contain tryptophan and magnesium. Fish is also a good choice, as it contains high levels of protein and healthy oils that can help to promote relaxation.
Finally, herbal teas can be a calming way to relax before bed and some such as chamomile and lavender have been known to have mild calming effects and help to reduce the production of stress hormones.
