A Brazil Nut A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

January 5, 2014 by Jill Schneiderman 2 Comments

I just watched a fascinating episode of Dr. Oz called “What’s Your Sleep Type?”  It was so interesting, that I’m going to have to write two separate entries on it.  Here is the link for your viewing pleasure http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/whats-your-sleep-type-personalized-plan-fix-your-sleep

According to the sleep experts interviewed in this episode, there are four different sleep types:

Very Short Sleepers – 0-4 hours every night

Short Sleepers – 5-6 hours every night – this is pretty much what I am

Ideal Sleepers – 7-8 hours every night

Over-Sleepers – 9-10 hours every night

When I was younger, I was a very short sleeper wearing the 2-3 hours of sleep that I used to get as a badge of honour.  Now, realizing the health implications of sleep deprivation, my goal is to become an ideal sleeper.  According to this episode, short sleepers consume the most calories, less vitamin C and less selenium than the average population.  I eat tons of vegetables so vitamin C likely isn’t an issue, but I do not eat any selenium rich foods such as mushrooms or brazil nuts on a regular basis.  Certain types of fish are also very high, but brazil nuts pack the most bang for your selenium-rich buck.  Just 1-2 of these a day gives you all of the selenium that you need.  As a bonus, selenium-rich foods can also help with acne!  I’m heading to the grocery store now to see if this tough nut to crack makes a difference in both my sleep and my skin.