Sound of Sleep | Baby Sleep Consultant Ottawa

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Diane
    • Contact Me
    • Sound of Sleep Philosophy
    • Terms And Conditions
  • Sleep Services
    • Pediatric Sleep Training
    • Teen & Adult Sleep Services
    • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Media
  • Testimonials
Wednesday, 08 January 2020 / Published in adult sleep, insomnia, Sleep Tips

Is Caffeine Affecting Your Sleep?

Do you reach for a cup of coffee when you wake up in the morning? Many of us do! Maybe it’s the smell, the first cup you drink that tastes so delicious or the feeling of more energy on Monday morning that you look forward to? There are a variety of reasons that people enjoy coffee and like everything in life, it is fine in moderation for adults to consume. Of course, children must avoid coffee completely. It can negatively affect the quality and quantity of their nutrition by acting as an appetite suppressant.

As a Sleep Specialist I work with individuals everyday to resolve their most challenging sleep problems. I know  people are typically only motivated to cut back on their caffeine habit once they have a clear understanding as to why and how it affects their sleep. Here are common reasons.

  1. Caffeine acts as a stimulant. The one thing that you love about it is the same thing that is often causing or at least contributing to insomnia – at least when you consume too much at the wrong time of day. It can also increase feelings of anxiety or irritability.
  2. It stays in your system longer than you think. Caffeine stays in your system between 4-6 hours. However, a quarter of that caffeine will stay in your system for as long as 12 hours!

So what can you do to enjoy your cup of coffee and get a good night’s sleep? You don’t have to cancel all of your coffee dates but instead, be mindful of these important tips to keep caffeine in check.

  1. Make sure to limit caffeine to no more than two 8 oz. cups per day, preferably before 10:00 a.m.
  2. Cut down on the amount of caffeine that you consume. Instead try decaf, a half cup of coffee, an energizing herbal tea instead such as peppermint, or decaffeinated green tea.
  3. Replace your coffee with a healthy alternative. Many of us crave caffeine after lunch when our internal clock causes us to naturally feel sleepy. Taking a short walk and getting some fresh air and sunshine can help us feel more alert. Bonus points for taking a 20-minute nap when time permits.
  4. Watch for hidden caffeine consumption found in cocoa, caffeinated teas, popular energy drinks, and some soft drinks.

Of course, you will also want to make sure that you have a solid sleep routines in place as well if you are faced with sleep challenges so don’t forget to create a peaceful sleep environment, a relaxing bedtime routine and make sure that you aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Looking for help with kicking the endless cycle of poor sleep night after night? Schedule a complimentary Discovery call here.

 

 

  • Tweet
Tagged under: adult sleep, caffeine, insomnia, sleep, sleep habits, teen sleep

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ottawa Sleep Consulting

Sound Of Sleep is Ottawa's leading baby sleep consultant and adult sleep specialist focused on help you and your family get the restful sleep they need and deserve. 

Our sleep consulting is built on the values of compassion, professionalism and support. Since every child and adult is unique Diane, Sleep Consultant at Sound Of Sleep, focuses her efforts on creating a perfectly customized plan for you and your family.

  • Baby Sleep Training Ottawa
  • Teen & Adult Sleep Services
  • Sound of Sleep Philosophy
  • Sound of Sleep Blog
  • Contact

Office located at Restoration Integrated Health

6367 Herberts Corners

Greely, ON  K4P 1H3

Phone: 613.266.6115

Association of Professional Sleep Consultants in Ottawa

Copyright © 2020 Sound of Sleep
All rights reserved.

TOP