Insomnia is an all-encompassing disorder that affects both the quality of sleep and daily life. Inadequate rest causes a deficit of energy, which, in turn, can have repercussions on mental and psychological health.
Insomnia does not just refer to difficulty falling asleep, but also sleeping intermittently and not long enough.
Rethinking your habits is essential here because, in the absence of other conditions, the main causes of insomnia can be identified.
INSOMNIA: WHAT CAUSES IT?
In most cases, poor habits before going to sleep are the cause of insomnia. Here are some common examples:
Going to sleep at different times, including having a job that involves frequent shift changes
Eating heavy dinners close to bedtime, especially if you suffer from acid reflux
Minimal physical activity
Noisy environment
Using electronic devices in bed (i.e. mobile phones, tablets, and other devices that emit intense light)
Side effects of medication
Thyroid diseases and/or depressive disorders
Stress and ageing can both affect sleep quality
Consuming drinks that inhibit sleep (i.e. coffee)
FOODS THAT FIGHT INSOMNIA
In addition to changing some habits, it is important to know that nutrition can help as well. In fact, there are foods that stimulate melatonin production and contain vitamin B6 and magnesium.
Here are some sleep-friendly substances:
Tryptophan, present in white meats, such as chicken and turkey, in some fish, such as sea bream andcod, milk, eggs, and dried fruit (walnuts and almonds).
Vitamin B6, found in pistachios and red garlic
Magnesium, found in nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios), legumes and fruits, such as cherries.
To promote relaxation, herbal teas with lime, lemon balm, and hawthorn can also be prepared.
To learn more, see INSOMNIA: WHAT TO DO? and STRESS AND SYMPTOMS: WHEN RELAXATION IS NOT ENOUGH.
Palazzo Fiuggi offers several holistic treatments aimed to relax the body and mind to alleviate stress, the root cause of most sleep disorders.
Visit the Palazzo Fiuggi website to discover treatments and programmes offered at our facility.