Many food supplements, which have some benefits, may cause insomnia and a host of other diseases. Often, these foods produce chemicals in the brain causing insomnia. Since insomnia is a very common disorder affecting modern society, we need to understand ways to overcome it. Sound sleep could be achieved by making changes in our diet and lifestyle. Let’s find out how.

Caffeine: We use caffeine in one way or another every day. It's a very common supplement that acts as a stimulant to the brain. Caffeine supplements energize brain cells and improve memory, but sometimes caffeine-induced overstimulation kills sleep. Tea, coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated supplements all contain more or less amounts of caffeine and should be avoided to overcome insomnia.
 

Refined carbohydrates: They are energy-providing supplements. It is better to avoid sugary food supplements before sleep if you want to have a sound sleep. Refined carbohydrates are devoid of vitamin B. This decreases serotonin levels that make it tough for the brain to relax, thus hampering sound sleep.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG): Many food supplements contain this chemical. It is used as a preservative in processed foods. It causes stimulation of the brain and sometimes headache. Overindulgence in junk food rich in MSG is a significant cause of sleep disorder in teenagers. It is recommended that those suffering from insomnia should avoid food with MSG.

Alcohol: Initially, alcohol can be very relaxing and can act as a sedative. But, larger dosages or prolonged usage cause overstimulation and lead to sleep problems. Thus, alcoholics experience nightmares and drowsiness. This can be quite concerning, since it disturbs the person from getting sound sleep in the long run. Many alcoholics exhibit daytime drowsiness and poor concentration because of a lack of sound sleep at nights, which can cause serious social and economic problems.

Tyramine: Tyramine-rich foods like eggplant, tomato, fermented food, cheese, etc., increase the release of the chemical norepinephrine, which causes alertness in the brain. This overstimulation retards sound sleep. These foods are also linked with problems like migraine attacks, palpitations, high blood pressure, and poor concentration.

It is important to note that apart from avoiding these foods, changes in lifestyle like practicing meditation, walking, relaxation exercises, and avoiding stress can also be helpful in getting sound sleep.