Are You Eating Your Way to Insomnia?

You're fully aware of the numerous benefits sleep has on your health, but do you really get the right amount of shut-eye each night?

It's doubtful; not many people do.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling insufficient sleep a public health epidemic.

What's causing insufficient sleep?

You may think you've heard all the possible reasons why you're getting horrible sleep at night: You're watching TV or Netflix on your computer in bed, you're constantly checking your phone, you've had too much caffeine in the day or you're stressed about the days to come.

What about your diet? Did you ever consider that what you're fueling your body with could be the reason you're up and down all night?

Let's face it, how you eat during the day strongly influences the sleep quality you'll be getting at night.

If you eat a heavy meal before you sleep, it can cause discomfort and keep you up throughout the night. Dieting habits can also play a role in your unhealthy sleep patterns. Making sure you're drinking water throughout the day and eating every couple of hours will help you sleep better at night.

What types of foods should you be eating to get a good night sleep?

Oatmeal is rich in fiber, helps you stay full and provides a tiny amount of melatonin, a natural sleep aide. Fish like tuna, halibut and salmon are high in vitamin B6, which your body needs to make melatonin and serotonin.

What are other foods that affect the way you're sleeping?

Clinical nutrition manager at Medifast, Jennifer Christman, RD, LDN, joins Dr. Mike to discuss why your diet is affecting your sleep pattern and ways to get back to a healthy sleep pattern.