Cant stay asleep? These 5 foods and drinks might be keeping you up at night

About one in eight Americans have chronic insomnia, according to a study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.The National Institute of Health said sleep disturbances can often be the result of “incorrect dietary habits.”Dan Gartenberg, PhD, a New York City sleep health advisor at CPAP.com, said a healthy diet that’s rich in nutrients is essential for sleep quality and overall health.“Foods or supplements that include GABA can be particularly helpful,” he told Fox News Digital. GABA is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter, which can help with sleep and relaxation, Gartenberg said. “Think decaffeinated teas, fermented foods, cheeses and legumes.” But the first step to sleeping better is to make sure you aren’t consuming foods that get in the way of sleep. Below are some of the foods and drinks to avoid before bedtime in order to have a healthier and better sleep experience. “By developing healthy habits and avoiding unhealthy habits, you can prepare yourself for restful and rejuvenating sleep experiences,” Gartenberg said.Alcohol is one of the worst things you can consume before going to bed, Gartenberg said.It interferes with the body’s natural sleep cycle by suppressing REM sleep, which is necessary for cognitive and emotional health.As the body metabolizes alcohol, it can cause a person to wake up multiple times throughout the night — leading to inconsistent sleep patterns that cause a disrupted circadian rhythm. Your body can also start to develop a tolerance for the effects of alcohol the more often it is consumed. Over time, this disruption can contribute to insomnia, because the brain begins to associate sleep with constant disturbances. If you’re looking to achieve better sleep, limiting or completely avoiding alcohol consumption – especially before bed – will help to maintain consistent and healthy sleep habits, Gartenberg said. Coffee and tea are also drinks to avoid having at night if you want to a...