insideKENT Magazine Issue 64 - July 2017 | Page 137

EAT TO SLEEP
When it’s near sleep time, our bodies start to produce the hormone
melatonin, which causes that lovely sleepy feeling, telling our bodies
to start winding down. Certain foods contain an amino acid called
tryptophan, which is a precursor to melatonin, and so can help to send
you on your way to the land of nod – if you’re a late night snacker,
cherries and bananas are good to eat an hour or so before bed, but
coffee and tea are a no-no as caffeine can take up to six hours to leave
our bodies.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BED
The most important thing, when considering buying a new bed, is to
actually try it, which can be a bit overwhelming to begin with as there
are so many different types of mattress. But, if you try a few, you should
soon start to get a feel for what you prefer. Another rule of thumb is
that the heavier you are, the firmer bed you tend to prefer, but that
doesn't mean that everyone needs a hard bed. When you try a mattress,
you should spend at least 5-10 minutes on each one; you should also
try pushing the flat of your hand between the mattress and the small
of your back - if it slides in too easily, the chances are that the bed is
too firm for your needs. If it is very difficult, it may be too soft.
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