6 Things You Should Never Do Just Before Sleeping!

Getting enough shut-eye is important for your body and mind. Inadequate sleep can hamper your concentration, make you gain weight and keep you in a state of constant tiredness. People around the world complain of their inability to sleep, called insomnia, that causes them to feel frustrated and helpless. Very often, this happens because we do things that we don't realize as being detrimental to our sleep cycle. These actions become habits before long, making them resistant to change. So take a close look at your sleep routine now, before it get's too late.

Here are 6 things that you should never do before sleeping or you may run the risk of getting no sleep at all.

1. Eating, well anything

Our bodies cannot effectively digest and sleep at the same time. Having a heavy meal too close to bedtime can make you feel bloated, nauseous and painful. Fatty or spicy foods in particular can cause an acid reflux in your body, making you uncomfortable and definitely not able to sleep. Eating chocolate, in ice-cream or as a bar can also harm your sleep. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which can increase heart rate and reduce sleepiness. If you necessarily need to have something before going to bed, opt for sleep inducing foods like milk, banana and turkey.

2. Drinking alcohol

This can make your night restless and disturbed. While alcohol initially induces sleep and makes you drowsy, research says that this state is temporary and not very beneficial to the body. This is because as our body begins to metabolize the alcohol, REM sleep, the period where our sleep is most restorative, is reduced. Additionally, a 2014 University of Missouri study points out that alcohol is a diuretic which means that you may have to get up and take bathroom breaks throughout the night.

3. Popping a pill

Taking medication for cold or allergies right before you sleep can be dangerous. Medicines like antidepressants can have a strong sleep reducing effect and some pain medications may upset your stomach, making your sleep more difficult. Pills that have pseudoephedrine like flu medications can wire your brain into feeling restlessness, making it tough for you to sleep. Opt for syrups over pills if you cannot bear the cough or pain as these generally contain antihistamines, that will make you feel drowsy.

4. Using a phone or laptop

The blue light emitted by your TV, cellphone and laptop can stimulate your brain into activeness, making you lose your sleep. It also prevents secretion of melatonin, the sleep inducing hormone. According to a Mayo clinic study published in 2013, it is important to keep the electronic device at least 14 inches from your face and turn down your screen's brightness to reduce your risk of light-related sleep problems. Not just this, even checking emails can make you feel nervous or agitated and keep you out of focus the next day.

5. Taking a shower

Our body's temperature naturally cools down as evening approaches. But when we take a bath, our body temperature rises. This makes sleeping difficult as we need a cool temperature to sleep. That is why it is easier to sleep when your toes are uncovered. Additionally, taking a shower before bed can send wrong signals to your brain if it is an occasional thing you do. Your brain may wire your body to wake up instead.

6. Trying to resolve a fight

If your are trying to find a solution for a fight before going to bed, chances are that you will end up making things worse. You may ruminate all night long, repeating the conversation in your head, preventing yourself from sleeping well. The stress can activate cortisol production in your body, impeding your ability to sleep. A majority of people who face insomnia cite stress as the biggest reason for it.

A relaxing routine is essential for a good night's sleep. Make sure you don't do any of these 6 things if you want to feel fresh and energized as you take on tomorrow's challenges.