Now lets look at four food related conditions that can affect your sleep along with ways to combat these issues
1 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD
GERD aka a form of reflux occurs when stomach acid frequently moves back into the esophagus When this happens acid reflux irritates the esophagus which can cause any of the following symptoms
Heartburn
Trouble swallowing
Extreme salivation
Inability to keep food down regurgitation
Gas
Bloating
Chest pain or discomfort
Inability to tolerate certain foods or liquids
Bad breath
Sour taste in the mouth
Along with the aforementioned symptoms those who are dealing with GERD are susceptible to trouble sleeping This is because GERD symptoms can worsen when people try to go to sleep the Sleep Foundation points out
When a person with GERD lies down in bed gravity makes it impossible to keep their stomach acid down This increases the likelihood that reflux can occur
Also people are less prone to swallowing while they are sleeping This pushes stomach acid downward which can result in chest pain or discomfort in those coping with GERD
Saliva production dwindles as people sleep too Thus those dealing with GERD have less saliva available to help neutralize stomach acid which can hamper their sleep
Research indicates approximately 20 of US adults are dealing with GERD To alleviate this issue people should avoid foods and beverages that can induce heartburn and reflux such as
Chocolate
Spicy foods
Fatty foods
Carbonated beverages
Coffee
Furthermore the Sleep Foundation indicates those who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of GERD than others By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle people can lower their risk of experiencing GERD symptoms
2 Obesity
Obesity is a common serious and costly disease the CDC notes It is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that puts a persons health in danger
Being overweight or obese increases a persons risk of experiencing heart disease and stroke two of the leading causes of death globally It can also contribute to diabetes as well as blindness limb amputations and related conditions
The Sleep Foundation states obesity can impact sleep quality and duration People who overeat are prone to weight gain and face a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese than others And they are susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea OSA which can cause breathing disruptions when they try to sleep
Moreover a lack of sleep can contribute to poor eating habits that lead to obesity Poor sleep can cause a hormone imbalance that impacts a persons ability to regulate their appetite the Sleep Foundation indicates Without a good nights rest an individual may experience a growth hormone deficiency and elevated cortisol levels which can contribute to obesity
Although obesity can be problematic the condition is preventable Maintaining a diet that is rich in fruits vegetables and other nutrient rich foods like nuts can help people guard against becoming overweight or obese At the same time avoiding excessive amounts of fatty foods and sugary beverages can help people keep their weight in check
Dont forget to exercise regularly in combination with developing and maintaining a healthy diet By exercising for at least 30 minutes a day you can put yourself in a great position to look and feel your best and enjoy quality sleep night after night
3 Celiac Disease
Celiac disease refers to an immune reaction after a person consumes gluten a protein found in ryes wheats and barleys For someone dealing with celiac disease gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine If this individual consumes products that contain gluten for an extended period he or she is prone to a variety of symptoms including
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Fatigue
Bloating
Gas
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Constipation
Researchers have also found a correlation between celiac disease and sleep Gluten intolerance can also cause hair loss and other comorbidities that occur on their own or in combination with low quality sleep
Avoidance of foods that contain gluten provides an excellent starting point to protect against celiac disease symptoms Meanwhile fruits vegetables and other gluten free alternatives are available Some restaurants even offer gluten free menus for guests dealing with celiac disease
Those who find celiac disease causes a wide range of symptoms may require additional medical assistance For instance someone coping with celiac disease and hair loss can meet with a dermatologist Next the dermatologist can evaluate all aspects of their patients hair loss He or she may then recommend certain foods to help their patient stimulate hair growth
Much in the same vein someone coping with celiac disease that hampers their sleep can consult with a sleep specialist At this point the specialist can perform a physical exam to determine if their patient is dealing with any underlying health conditions that affect their sleep The specialist may also require a sleep habits review and sleep study to provide proper diagnosis and treatment
4 Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance impacts a persons ability to digest the sugar lactose in milk So a person dealing with lactose intolerance can experience gas bloating and diarrhea after eating or drinking dairy products
There are three types of lactose intolerance
Primary Causes production of the lactase enzyme which helps the body digest whole milk to decline as a person gets older
Secondary Occurs due to a decrease in lactase production following an illness injury or surgery
Congenital Refers to lactose intolerance that begins at birth
Regardless of why lactose intolerance occurs the condition is treatable Those who experience lactose intolerance generally limit their consumption of dairy products They may also avoid consuming dairy products close to bedtime to minimize the risk of symptoms that can interrupt their sleep
Explore Treatment Options for Food Related Conditions That Affect Your Sleep
Everyone deserves a good nights sleep even those who are dealing with food related health conditions If you or someone you know is coping with a food related health condition that affects your sleep seek out medical treatment This allows you to receive expert support as you try to identify and treat the root cause of your condition
A doctor can perform testing to assess your health and wellbeing He or she can next offer insights into the best foods to eat before you go to bed A doctor can also explain which foods you should avoid at all costs before bedtime
The support a doctor provides wont end there either A doctor can provide ongoing assistance so you can ensure a good nights sleep becomes a nightly occurrence He or she can respond to any concerns and questions you may have as you receive treatment too
Dont wait to get help with a food related health condition that affects your sleep Get in touch with a doctor today and you can take the first step toward treating your condition and improving your sleep quality and duration
