Lots of sleep doesn’t always mean good sleep: you need the right kind of sleep.
Sleep affects our ability to perform, process information and our mood, so it is vital that we get the correct sleep to get the most out of the day.
This week is also Mental Health Week (9th May – 14th May) and as part of our support for our students we’re focusing on sleep.
Our key tip to help you get better sleep, is to make some changes to your diet.
As some foods and drinks have sleep-promoting properties, you can add things to your pre-bedtime diet that should help promote good sleep.
And the best news is, we’re giving away all of these in our “Great Sleep Giveaway” (happening Thurs 12th, 2.30-4.30pm)
- * Almonds, Walnuts, and other Nuts – There are many health benefits to eating almonds, and studies suggest that they may help boost sleep quality. This is because almonds, and many other nuts, are a source of the hormone melatonin.
Melatonin regulates your internal clock and tells your body to prepare for sleep. Almonds are also an excellent source of magnesium, and it has been suggested that eating the right amounts of magnesium may help improve sleep quality. This is because it may help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to interrupt sleep.
- * Kiwis – According to studies, kiwis may be one of the best foods to eat before bed. The sleep-promoting effects of kiwis is said to be due to serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate your sleep cycle.
It’s also been suggested that the anti-inflammatory antioxidants in kiwis, such as vitamin C, may be partly responsible for their sleep-promoting effects.
- * White Rice – White rice is high in carbs and its carb content and lack of fiber contribute to its high glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar.
It has been suggested that eating foods with a high GI – such as white rice – at least an hour before bed may help improve sleep quality.
- * Camomile Tea – This daisy like flower creates a golden colour tea with a slightly sweet, floral taste.
- It is known as a calming agent, as it increases the level of glycine – a neurotransmitter that releases your nerves and acts as a mild sedative. The Twinning Sleep teabags we are giving away also include passionflower and vanilla.
Other factors
But we also realized there could be other things stopping you sleep.
Which is why we’re also providing each of you with a sleep diary, to help you track your progress and make note of any changes you may notice.
Mental Health week and beyond
At CODE we take mental health very seriously, and we pride ourselves on the work we do for our students.
It’s not just during mental health week that we are here to support you. We have ‘student-mind’ trained staff available during office hours and we’re always an email, a call or just a visit to the office away.
Remember you can email welfare@codestudents.co.uk confidentially if you want to discuss anything relating to your mental health.
