How food and drug intake affects sleep

Weight Control Pills and Decongestants

"These medications, which basically shrink blood vessels, can actually keep you awake and very often on the labels it will say ‘non-drowsy formula' or you can use this during the daytime," Kryger said. "And if someone uses a medication like this and can't sleep, the cause is probably the medication."

For all medications, be sure to read the label. If you're unsure of the ingredients listed, ask the pharmacist.

Beer and Wine

Some people will use alcohol to help them to fall asleep. Kryger says this is a bad thing to do. As alcohol is metabolized, a drop in the level of alcohol actually arouses someone and wakes up the nervous system.

"Although you think it may help you fall asleep, three to four hours later it's going to wake you up and you'll have trouble falling asleep again."

Soft Drinks

Avoid these at night, Kryger advises. They have a lot of caffeine and many people don't make the connection that what they're drinking is what's keeping them awake.