Posted on July 25, 2010 in Conditions and Diseases, Insomnia Remedies
Insomnia can be caused by many factors. Sometimes these reasons are physical such as too much noise or uncomfortable bed that can hinder your ability to sleep. Sometimes it is a psychological reason such as too many stressful thoughts going through your mind that inhibit your falling asleep. But often the lack of sleep is contributed to substances you consume. Coffee is often given as a reason to insomnia. Is there any validity to this? Is coffee insomnia a real concern?
Caffeine in coffee
Coffee contains large amounts of caffeine, which is a stimulant. To most people this causes a more alert state, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep. Different people are affected differently. Some drink many cups a day. These people might have developed a tolerance in a way that makes them less sensitive to the stimulant. Therefore, they would not suffer from the effects of coffee on sleep as much as people who do not use coffee regularly.
Milk or no milk in coffee
What you put in your coffee can also have an effect on how you sleep. Some people have milk with cream, some with sugar. If you use sugar you are likely to have an even stronger reaction when it comes to alertness because of the energizing effects of sugar. If you use milk or cream in your coffee it helps to neutralize the stimulating effects of the coffee. This is because milk and cream contain tryptophan, which makes you sleepier. Effects of tryptophan are also different for different people. Some might actually sleep better after a cup of coffee with some cream in it.
Remedies for coffee insomnia
• Reduce the amount of coffee you drink
• Use milk in your coffee
• See if there is coffee in anything else you consume such as chocolate, tee or sodas
Coffee can have an effect on the way we sleep but it is rarely the only reason for sleeplessness. See what other factors there are in your life that causes insomnia. This will help you find out how much coffee contributes to your condition in comparison.
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