Cannabis use is associated with disturbances in concentration and memory. New research by neuroscientists at the University of Bristol, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, has found that brain activity becomes uncoordinated and inaccurate during these altered states of mind, leading to neurophysiological and behavioural impairments reminiscent of those seen in schizophrenia. Science Daily, Science Daily 10/25/2011
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Sleep is vital for all of us. Studies have shown that even short periods of sleep deprivation have significant impact on all of us. Sleep is especially important for individuals and kids with ADD and ADHD.
Insomnia and sleep deprevation can intensify ADD and ADHD symptoms, such as: Difficulty concentrating, Irritability, Daytime sleepiness, Feeling grouchy, Feeling anxious, Unable to get things done during the day, More accidents, Feelings of depression, Racing mind, General fatigue, Drowsiness, and Mood alterations just to name a few.
Lets look at some ways that food and liquids that can improve or actually worsen sleep.
Milk once thought of as being great for sleep was found to actually disturb sleep. Author David Zinczenko, of Eat This, Not That, suggests that the protein in milk boosts alertness and the fat in milk slows down the digestive system making sleep more fitful.
Of course, knowing you have to go to sleep, and “trying” to go to sleep is always more difficult.
There are some foods that produce feel-good relation chemicals, calming down your nerves and slowing down your racing brain.
Nonfat popcorn half an hour before bedtime works nicely. The carbs make your body create serotonin, a neurochemical that makes you feel relaxed. Skipping the butter helps keep the digestion process at optimal levels so that you have a restful sleep.
Oatmeal with sliced bananas is rich with melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that helps us sleep. Stress or excitement disrupts the release of melatonin.
Plain yogurt with a handful of mixed nuts reduces the feelings of anxiety. Scientists did a study of two amino acids, lysine and arginine. They discovered that people giving a speech where half as nervous when they had took lysine and arginine. Yogurt is a good source of lysine and nuts are a good source for arginine. Be aware that lysine and arginine produce alertness, so eat them a few hours before bed, or during the day.
Tryptophan is a sleep-inducing amino acid. As a teenager, I used to eat bags of shelled sesame seeds. Who knew it could be good for you. It turns out that, sesame seeds are a great natural source of tryptophan, which will help you relax.
Ever wonder why they give you a handful of pretzels on the plane, its to make you tired. Pretzels are a low-fat source of carbohydrates, which make you feel sleepy.
Doctors did a study to determine which was more effective a glass of wine or sedatives (i.e., ambien), the wine ½ to 1 glass of wine was found to be most effective. It turns out that a glass of wine does take the edge off. A study done by the University of Toronto found that one alcoholic drink relaxed a person’s blood vessels, while two drinks did the opposite (so limit your intake). Blood vessels that are relaxed means lower blood pressure, slower heart rate and a greater ability to relax.
When is the last time you thought of Cherry juice as something to drink? It turns out that Cherry juice increases serotonin, which will relax you. A 4 oz glass of unsweetened cherry juice about an hour before bedtime will help you go to sleep.
Lastely, lets look at stress relief in general. A study at the University of Alabama showed that vitamin C twice a day nearly stopped the secretion of cortisol, a hormone released in your body when you are stressed. The food with the most vitamin C is Red Bell peppers.
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