Keeping Awake

[4getmenot]

Is there any types of food that keep you awake. Caffeine doesnt seem to work for me and I could take a whole pack of Pro-plus and still go to sleep. Or is there food I may be eating that making me so tired at night. Its just when I go to watch DVD's or anything at a weekend I can never stay awake. I used to be able to stay out most of the night when I was younger, but now I'm just so tired. and I feel so awful when I fall asleep on my mates and so unsociable.

[WendyS]

I wonder if it's the hour of the evening that you're eating rather than WHAT you're eating which is causing your problems. I find that if eat later rather than earlier, my body finds it much more difficult to digest the food. Therefore it's working harder. I also find that lots of carbohydrates like bread, pasta and potatoes eaten after 6 p.m. leave me feeling very bloated which in turn makes me feel sleepy. If you try drastically reducing these and filling up with vegetables instead this might help you to feel more lively. If you remember the sleepy feeling which always prevails after Christmas lunch when the stomach is too full, this is another clue. Perhaps cutting down portion size might help.

[4getmenot]

I eat about 5.30 every night. I do eat alot of pasta though and potatoes. But I seem to get very sleepy about 11pm when I'm used to being awake till about 2am. Maybe just my age.

[Champagne]

Consider the hours you are working and the type of work you do. Do you have an extremely early start to the day? Is your work strenuous?

Try not to eat beyond 7.30pm at night and don�t eat a big meal. If you have to eat later then go for slow release foods or food that breaks down easily; veg, rice, fish, fruit, muesli etc. Eat a big breakfast to give you a kick-start.

Do you drink much alcohol at weekends? Certain drinks can make you crash and burn. It varies depending on the individual but I�m a lightweight when I drink red wine all night!

Also, you mentioned that you fall asleep while watching DVD�s. Is this because you tend to sprawl on an armchair or sofa? If you�re too comfortable and warm then you will doze off.

If none of the above make any difference and you are prone to sleeping more than 8 hours a day then I would go and see your doctor as something else may be to blame.

[4getmenot]

Yer I never eat after 7.30pm, No long hours basic 9-5, I dont drink, I have breakfast. But the fact I lounge about while watching DVD could be it :-)

[redmug100]

The pasta and potatoes are making you sleepy. Fish is the best food for keeping you awake.

[Kay]

Have you seen your doctor 4getmenot? You could be anaemic.:-)

[Jennykins]

Great point FINA... that was my case.. I was ananemic for 2 years... Ya get checked 4getmenot.. get your iron checked and your thyroid.. stuff like that..

JEN

[4getmenot]

Not anaemic as I have my iron checked evry three months so I can give blood. I think maybe I'm just god damm lazy :-)