Good sleep is a crucial element of our well-being. It allows us to be more productive and energetic during the day and helps us stay focused and alert when it’s time to work or drive. But just as important as getting enough sleep is eating the right foods before bed. Here are five easy ways you can get your body ready for restful slumber:
A Banana
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps your muscles relax so you can sleep. They also contain magnesium, an essential mineral for sleep regulation and restful REM cycles. Bananas are also great for digestive health; they contain fibre that helps move food through the gastrointestinal tract. Bananas are also good for cardiovascular health—they decrease oxidative stress in the blood and reduce inflammation throughout the body by lowering homocysteine levels (a marker of how much damage has been done to your arteries). Finally, bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin in the brain and increase feelings of happiness!
Cherry Juice
If you want to get some sleep, drink cherry juice before bed.
Cherries are a great source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle. It is great option for eating the right foods before bed. Melatonin also has antioxidant properties and is known to reduce inflammation in the body. In one study, researchers found that drinking tart cherry juice made it easier for participants to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer than those who drank water.
Almonds
Almonds are high in protein and fibre, and they’ve been shown to reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and vitamin B6.
They provide around 20% of your daily requirements for these nutrients before bedtime!
If you want to ensure that your almonds are fresh, look at their shells: they should be smooth with no cracks or holes. Any discolouration on the outside shell (like brown spots) will indicate that the almond has gone bad — so throw it out!
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a mild sedative. It’s often used by people who have trouble falling asleep, and for a good reason: chamomile has a calming effect on the body, which can help you relax before bedtime. Chamomile tea is also a good choice if you’re not getting enough sleep or have an irregular sleep pattern.
If you’re thinking of trying chamomile tea to help with insomnia or other sleep issues, it’s important to note that there are different types of chamomile available—but don’t worry!
They all have similar effects on the body and mind. Some people prefer one variety over another, but all will produce similar results when it comes to their ability to improve sleep quality overall.
Whole Grain Crackers or Toasts
A bowl of whole-grain crackers or toasts before bed can make you feel fuller longer, helping to prevent late-night snacking. Whole grains are also better for your heart, digestion and brain than white bread. They contain more fibre than refined grains and have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation in the colon and help control diabetes. You can have a cracker as option for eating the right foods before bed.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that if you want a good night’s sleep, you must make sure that your diet is up to par. Don’t expect miracles from any one food, but try a few different options until you find what works best for you.
