I'm a firm believer that the biggest health crisis we're facing as a society is sleep deprivation.

Sleep is literally the best free health resource we have available to us. Yet so many of us neglect it to the point of damaging our health and well being.

I could tell you a bunch of stuff you already know that will instantly improve your sleep. Put away the electronics. Turn off the TV at least an hour before bedtime. Lower the temperature in your sleeping environment. Get blackout shades.

But I've learned to start smaller and simpler when trying to help people create a new habit. So let's start with something you might not have considered: we can manipulate our nutrition to improve our sleep.

5 FOODS AND DRINKS THAT ARE WRECKING YOUR SLEEP

Fried Foods. This is something we should be avoiding anyway, but it's particularly unhelpful close to bedtime. Fried foods delay stomach emptying and digestion, leaving you feeling like you swallowed a brick. Trying to sleep with a brick in your belly is tough, to say the least.

Afternoon Caffeine. I love my coffee in the morning. But coffee later in the day will stimulate your brain and digestive system, making it more difficult to wind down and relax. Plus, if your energy drops so low in the afternoon that you need that cup of joe to pick you up, there are most likely other problems that need to be addressed. Such as: you're not getting enough sleep.

Alcohol. While that glass of wine may calm you down (alcohol is a depressant, after all), it also inhibits sleep quality. To improve your sleep, avoid alcohol at least 4 hours before bedtime. Or, whip up a mocktail with sparkling water, lime juice and fresh mint.

Red Meat. Foods that are higher in saturated fats have been shown to reduce sleep length and quality. Opt instead for plant-based protein sources that are high in fiber, like lentils, beans or chickpeas. Pair them up with a generous serving of veggies, unsaturated fats from olives, olive oil, avocado or nuts, and whole grains or root vegetables.

Spicy Foods. Hot peppers and spices offer plenty of health benefits. But if eaten close to bedtime, they can result in indigestion or acid reflux, which is going to make for a restless night's sleep, at best. Choose milder seasonings for dinner, like basil, parsley, dill, rosemary and thyme.

ONE MORE SIMPLE TRICK

Though I'm always harping on the importance of drinking more water, avoid overdoing it in the evening. Aim to get your 64 ounces (minimum!) of water spread evenly throughout the day, and cut off your water intake about two hours before bedtime.

You don't need a complete lifestyle overhaul to start sleeping better. Pick one of these simple switches and make it this week. Small changes compound into big results.