Sleep disorders develop as a result of a combination of poor diet and food allergies; an accumulation of toxins in the body (from the environment, food, drugs, and other sources); biomechanical stress and imbalances; poor stress-coping abilities and other emotional factors; hormonal imbalances; and geopathic irregularities. All of these factors may also disrupt the circadian rhythms, leading to such problems as sleep phase syndromes and insomnia.
Poor Diet and Food Allergies
Ingested stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and spicy foods, are major contributors to sleep disorders. Caffeine—found in coffee, non-herbal teas, soft drinks, and many over-the-counter drugs—can remain in the body from 12 to 20 hours, thwarting sleep. Sugar creates uneven blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) that can disrupt your sleep in the middle of the night. Another side effect is called insulin rebound, in which the body is overwhelmed with an influx of simple sugars and is no longer able to digest food properly. This condition causes an emergency stress reaction in the body that prevents sleep. It can also result in food addictions, a vicious cycle of bingeing on sugary or caffeinated foods, keeping blood sugar levels and sleep patterns out of balance. Food allergies are also implicated in promoting food addictions and often are found in children with obstructive sleep apnea.
Seemingly relaxing substances such as alcohol and nicotine also impair the ability to sleep deeply and continuously through the night. Nicotine is actually a stimulant, similar to caffeine. Although drinking alcohol may appear to help induce sleep, it often will create shortened, lighter sleep.Liquor is a very strong diuretic and may prompt you to awaken throughout the night to urinate. Sleep problems may also be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies, including B vitamins, copper, iron, and zinc.
