Sleep Promoting Diets

What should I eat and drink to get a better night's sleep?
I see all sorts of sleep-promoting diets on the Internet.

Other than alcohol and caffeinated beverages, no food or beverage has a clear-cut effect on sleep.

Theories about food and sleep involve such factors as blood sugar levels, hormones, and various brain chemicals. High-carbohydrate foods are often suggested for sleep, because they are supposed to allow more tryptophan (an amino acid) to get into the brain; tryptophan is converted into the brain chemical serotonin, which helps promote sleep. In contrast, a high-protein diet supposedly has the opposite effect. A high-fat diet also tends to result in poorer sleep, at least according to one recent study.

Despite common beliefs about various foods - turkey or warm milk as sleep promoters, for example - research has come up with confusing and contradictory results. Foods (and meals) are complex mixes of nutrients that may have opposite effects on sleep, and the effects may vary from person to person, possibly for genetic reasons.

According to Dr. William Orr, and expert on sleep at the OKlahoma University Health Science Centre, "I am not aware of studies showing the effectiveness of a specific diet promoting sleep. There's nothing across the boar that's convincing."

Here's some obvious advice if you're having trouble sleeping.

• Don't eat a large meal two to three hours before going to bed.
  A full stomach can be uncomfortable and can promote heartburn. If spicy or fatty foods (or some other food) seem to cause nighttime heartburn, don't eat them in the evening.
• Avoid, or at least limit, alcohol.
  It can help you fall asleep more quickly, but later it disrupts sleep, especially restorative deep sleep.
• Avoid caffeine for at least three hours before going to bed.
  Some people may need to avoid it for eight hours before bedtime.

From the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 2009

Featured Products

Naturelle Latex Pillow - Gently Contoured Luxurious contoured natural latex pillow in 3 sizes

• Sumptuously soft & wonderfully supportive
• Pure latex won't sag or lose its shape.
• Therapeutically designed and gently contoured

From : $79.00

CompleteSleeprrr Original - Memory Foam Pillow Adjustable memory foam neck pillow

• Australia's best & most loved pillow!
• Totally adjustable - One size suits all
• Quality supersoft memory foam neck pillow

$89.00

CompleteSleeprrr Plus - Memory Foam Pillow Adjustable memory foam neck pillow

• For those of average to above average build
• Supportive & comfortable memory foam
• Quality memory foam neck pillow

$89.00

Tranquillow Pillow - Contoured Support Pillow Carved from one piece of quality foam

• One side is slightly higher than the other
• Comes in a variety of sizes and densities
• Comes in a removable cotton pillowcase

From : $39.00

Side Snuggler Pillow - Side Sleeping Support Comfort and support in the side sleeping position

• Supports mother-to-be in the 2nd & 3rd trimes
• Supports the recommended side sleeping positi
• Pressure-diffusing memory foam under the neck

$139.00

Sleep-Away Memoryfoam Travel Pillow Comfortable & versatile travel pillow

• Great for camping, bus & train trips
• Don't use unhygienic hotel pillows any more
• Comes in Traditional or Memory foam

From : $49.50

Lucky 7 Body Pillow - Pregnancy Support Pillow L Shaped body pillow for relaxing & sleeping

• Use during pregnancy for comfort & support
• For side sleepers & back pain sufferers
• Use on the bed, couch, or floor

$89.00

CuddleUp Body Pillow - Pregnancy Support Pillow Super huggable - wrap around body pillow

• Gently cradles and supports the body
• The perfect pregnancy support pillow
• Use between knees to relieve back pain

$99.00

Tummy Snuggler - Maternity Support Cushion Supports the tummy and back throughout the pregnancy

• Stretch cotton cover adjusts to body shape
• The perfect maternity support pillow
• Supportive memory foam structure

$89.00

Banana Pillow - U Shaped Body Pillow V shaped banana pregnancy support body pillow

• Two long arms to give you support in bed
• Perfect for reading or watching TV
• Also use between legs in bed

From : $49.00

Contoured Bed Wedge - Angled Sleeping Wedge Gently scalloped & angled Bed Wedge pillow

• Perfect wedge for sleeping, resting, or readi
• Elevates and supports the upper body
• Removable inserts allows angle change

From : $199.00

Leg Relaxer - Contoured Leg Wedge Support Leg wedge relief for aching legs and feet

• Leg wedge helps with varicose veins or swolle
• Wedge reduces lower back pain and strain
• Aids circulation and vascular drainage

From : $119.00

Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Pressure Diffusing Experience the relaxation of dreams

• Memory Foam gently moulds to your body shape
• Feel the comfort of viscoelastic memory foam
• Overlay in Single, Double, Queen, King sizes

From : $199.00

Naturelle Latex Mattress Topper Latex overlay provides pure comfort & support

• Topper adjusts & moulds to for even support
• Natural Latex is anti-bacterial & anti-microb
• Overlay in Single, Double, Queen, King sizes

From : $255.00

Naturelle Eucalytus Fibre Mattress Protector 100% Natural waterproof mattress protector

• Both hypoallergenic and anti microbial
• Protect your mattress from all liquid stains
• Protects from bed bugs

From : $55.00

Diffuser Cushion - Memory Foam Cushion Premium density memory foam pressure relief cushion

• Australian made memory foam seat cushion
• comfortable for longer periods of sitting
• Ideal for as a wheelchair cushion

From : $89.00

Posture Wedge - Angled Seat Cushion Angled wedge cushion for seating

• 9° angle encourages correct pelvic tilt
• Reduces pressure on lumbar discs
• Wedge promotes correct lumbar support

From : $59.00

Back Huggar - Mid Size Back Support Adjustable lower back support with centre spine.

• Quality lumbar back support
• Elasticised strap holds it in place
• Ideal for car, office or home.

From : $59.00

Spine Saver Lumbar Roll Lumbar roll back support for lower back pain

• Fills hollow in the back to support lumbar
• Choice of Traditional or Memory foam
• Loops at each end for fixing to chairs

From : $29.50

Lupin Heat Bag - Rectangle Shape (33cm x 13cm) Suitable for all parts of the body. Use it anywhere.

• Quick microwave for easy heating.
• Versatile rectangle heat pack
• Premium grade lupin heat pack

$14.95

Lupin Heat Bag - Neck & Shoulder (45cm w x 45cm l) Soothes & warms the neck and shoulders

• Premium grade lupin heat bag
• Superior quality to standard wheat bags
• Handmade in Australia from Australian lupins

$29.95

Lupin Heat Bag - Body Pillow Large (55cm x 23cm) Lupin heat bag - Suitable for all parts of the body

• Put in the freezer and use as a cold pack
• Heat bag is suitable for all parts of body
• Longer lasting heat than wheat bags

$35.00

Cooliow - Cooling Pillow Pad Cooling Pillow Pad cools your pillow & body

• Never too cold or too warm
• Use it on your head, legs and back
• Cools tired feet, sports injurys, or sunburn

$39.95