Insomnia at night leads to daytime sleepiness and the bad choices that worsen insomnia.
People who feel they sleep perfectly well after experiencing some insomnia may still be troubled by excessive daytime sleepiness because of a variety of underlying medical illnesses. A sleep disturbance may be a symptom of a health issue or an adverse effect of therapy to treat the problem. The stress of chronic illness can also cause insomnia and daytime drowsiness.
Medical Causes of Insomnia
Heartburn Causes Insomnia
Eating heavy or fatty foods and drinking coffee and alcohol in the evening causes heartburn which is a symptom of dyspepsia. It is hard to fall asleep while experiencing heartburn.
Methods of dealing with heartburn at night:
- Elevating your upper body in bed with an under-mattress wedge or placing 6 to 8-inch blocks under the bedposts under your pillows.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription drugs that suppress stomach acid secretion when symptoms are acute (really bad).
- Abstain from consuming chocolate, caffeine, heavy foods, and fatty foods at night.
- If you are hungry, try eating:
- A yellow banana
- A scoop or two of plain greek yogurt.
- An apple (Gala apples are a great crisp and juicy choice.)
- Some pineapple wedges, including the core, which contains beneficial bromelain to reduce dyspepsia.
- A salad topped with some nuts, seeds and currents or raisins. Use a basic olive oil and balsamic or apple cider dressing.
References:
Bromelain reduces symptoms causing insomnia:
https://draxe.com/6-unbelievable-health-benefits-bromelain/
Daytime Sleepiness:
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/medical-causes-of-sleep-problems.htm
Dyspepsia:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/dyspepsia-topic-overview
