Your Alarm Clock May Be The Reason You’re So Tired
A new study shows that people who use an alarm clock to wake up are more tired than people who wake up naturally. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame say that 57% of fully-employed, salaried workers hit snooze on their alarms at least once in the mornings.
According to Metro, the study included 450 adult participants and found that the ones who hit snooze on their alarms had more sleep disturbances. Women were 50% more likely to hit snooze than men. All participants got the same amount of sleep, but the snoozers took more naps and felt more tired. Those who woke up without an alarm slept longer and drank less caffeine.
Lately, my wife and I have been sleeping more than eight hours a night, as though we’re going into some sort of bear-like seasonal hibernation. If Sara and I left our bedroom door open, we wouldn’t need alarm clocks. Our dog, Daisy, would make sure we got up at a more respectable time. Pet parents know what I’m talking about.
5 Foods That Can Help You Sleep Through The Night
Eggs
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Eggs are one of the best sources of melatonin among animal products. They’re also loaded with iron and protein, as well as other essential nutrients.
Fish
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Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in melatonin as well as vitamin B6, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin D – all of which promote healthy sleep. One study found that participants who ate salmon three times a week slept better and showed improved daytime functioning than those who didn’t.
Milk
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It turns out that the old school sleep remedy really works, thanks to the melatonin. Milk is one of the best dietary sources of it and it also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which increases concentrations of melatonin and helps you drift off to sleep easier.
Nuts
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According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, walnuts were found to have high amounts of melatonin. It’s also found in almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds and pistachios. Just go for the raw kind because the roasting process has been shown to negatively impact melatonin content.
Tart Cherry Juice
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This is new to me. Apparently, tart cherry juice is an effective sleep aid thanks to all the melatonin in the fruit. You can also just eat the tart cherries to get your melatonin without all the added sugar in the juice.
