How Can I Avoid Waking In The Night?

Q: I often awaken in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. Any suggestions for staying asleep? 

A: Most people lying awake in the middle of the night find that their mind is racing, so many assume that their sleeplessness is caused by stress. The main reason why you’re awake, however, is blood sugar. When blood sugar levels drop, the adrenal glands produce adrenaline. The shot of adrenaline in the middle of the night is what causes you to wake up and starts your mind racing at the same time. Wanting to get out of bed for a snack is a tell-tale sign. Eat some protein (not carbs!) before going to bed to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the night, and avoid eating high-glycemic carbs throughout the day. Plain yogurt is an excellent late-night snack.