The Stupid News with Yankee Pete
HERE'S HOW TO DRINK COFFEE AND STILL GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Tuesday August 4th, 2009
Caffeine stays in your system for about 12 hours. And it's generally a good idea to stop drinking coffee at least six hours before bedtime. But we all know that's not always possible. So here are four ways to fall asleep after too much coffee . . .
1.) CREATE A RESTFUL ENVIRONMENT. The caffeine in coffee boosts your senses, so you need to get rid of all stimulation. Turn of the TV, and don't play on the Internet. Any lights you leave on should provide "mood lighting." Nothing too bright.
2.) GET SOME LIGHT EXERCISE. If you're tossing and turning in bed, try going for a walk around the block. A little exercise will release serotonin in your body, which helps promote sleep. Just don't do too much.
Because walking too fast will raise your body temperature, which INHIBITS sleep. Cold air can wake you up too. So, if it's cold outside, try doing a few push-ups or sit-ups instead.
3.) HAVE A GLASS OF WARM MILK. This actually does work. Here's why: Milk is a good source of TRYPTOPHAN . . . the same sleep-inducing stuff that's in turkey and other meats. And it doesn't really need to be warm. A COLD glass of milk is fine.
If you need a late-night snack, the carbs in whole wheat bread will help your body absorb the tryptophan. Just stay away from sugary snacks, which will wake you up.
4.) REST YOUR MIND. Caffeine makes your mind race. And watching TV offers too much stimulation. But reading a BOOK is actually RELAXING for your brain. If you're not a reader, close your eyes and picture relaxing locations, like waterfalls or beaches.
Seriously. Concentrate on the sounds and the details, and pretty soon you'll be out cold. (AskMen.com)
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