There are many strategies for a better night’s sleep, from achieving the optimum body temperature to finding the best ingredients to reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve shut-eye.
According to one naturopathic doctor, closing the fridge at a specific time could be the answer to a great night’s rest.
A naturopathic doctor uses natural medicine and holistic approaches to treat illness and disease.
Dr Stephen Cabral (@stephen.cabral on TikTok) took to the sharing platform to share the ideal cut-off period for eating.
For a ‘deep sleep’, aim to stop eating three hours before going to bed
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For a better night’s sleep, the expert advised stopping eating three hours before shut-eye. If you usually go to bed at 10pm, by 7pm – “you are done with eating”.
“No more foods, no more snacks, no more anything that can be processed as nutrition, no more of that.
“Why? We’re trying to turn off our digestive system. Our energy gets woken up and ramped back up in order to break down food.”
He explained that when we eat, there is a “thermogenic-based effect”, and the body uses energy.
This burns calories – which is a positive thing – except when you’re getting ready to go to bed.
Dr Cabral explained that in the three hours before sleep, your aim should be to “calm” the body down for a “deep night’s sleep” as opposed to “working on digestion”.
Taking supplements or drinking herbal teas within three hours before going to sleep is fine though, the doctor revealed.
As well as cutting off your food consumption three hours before bedtime, those after a better night’s sleep should consider being strategic about their caffeine consumption.
According to the expert, you should be ‘done with eating’ three hours before going to bed
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One doctor and brain health advocate shared the exact time to cut out caffeine every day for “the best sleep of your life”.
DR Bing MD (@doctor.bing) said on TikTok: “Even if you can sleep easily after having caffeine, caffeine can shorten the most restorative stages of your sleep cycle, leaving you less rested.”
Another expert shared how to get to sleep fast with “essential” hacks, including the maximum amount of coffee to drink.
Instead of reaching for another coffee, those looking to boost their energy should consider alternatives such as drinking water, getting outside for some fresh air, or doing some light stretches.
