Sleep is one of the most important factors for our health and wellbeing. And once we won’t have enough of it well… you’ll notice. And maybe not only you (sorry!). Wether your lack of sleep is because of stress, worries or just because of your time-consuming smartphone. Well, it turns out there’s an easy way (actually, two!) to tackle this problem.
1. Happy feet
And by that we mean: keep your feet outside the blanket because this regulates your body temperature better and will help you fall asleep sooner and sleep better. How? Our feet help us maintain a lower temperature, which is key for a good night. Natalie Dautovitch, a spokesperson for the National Sleep Foundation and a psychology professor at the University of Alabama, told this to New York Magazine. The bottoms of your feet have no hair and special types of blood vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses, which makes it easier to release heat from the body. So you better stick one foot out next time you can’t sleep or open up a window.
2. Turmeric milk
This is a traditional Indian and Ayurvedic beverage that is usually taken before bed. You can compare it to our “regular” (warm) milk before bedtime. For the last couple of years this golden drink has become significantly popular, and it’s for good reason. Turmeric milk (turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and used medicinally for over 4,000 years) is rich in antioxidants and associated with a lot of health benefits such as smoother digestion, better immune system and a soft and glowy skin. They say it can even help with problems like eczema. And, very important: the warming effect of turmeric (and you can add some ginger as well) on your body can help to promote restful sleep.
Ingredients:
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Organic coconut oil – 1 tsp
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Turmeric paste – ¼ tsp
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Almond milk (or any milk of your choice) – 1 cup
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Black pepper – ¼ tsp
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1-inch piece of sliced ginger root
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Honey to taste
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients except for the honey in a saucepan over medium heat, but don’t allow the mixture to boil.
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Remove the milk from the heat.
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Add honey to taste.
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Let it cool and drink up.
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Image by Bruce Weber