Although there are many things you can do to counter insomnia, like reading bedtime stories, exercising or listening to calm music, it’s always helpful to know what foods might be the best for your sleep. Here are some tips on what foods can you eat to help you sleep?
What Foods to Avoid Before Bed
There are a few foods that you should avoid before bedtime to help you sleep better. These include heavy meals, caffeinated beverages, and spicy foods. Avoiding these foods before bedtime will make you less likely to have restless nights and get a good night’s sleep.
What Foods to Eat to Help You Sleep
There are a variety of foods that you can eat to help you sleep, and each has its benefits. Some foods that have been shown to help people fall asleep are fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks before bedtime, as they can keep you up. Here are five foods to try for a good night’s sleep:
1. Fruit: Fruits are a great way to start your day or snack on them before bedtime. They contain natural sugars that will help you fall asleep quickly. Some popular fruits shown to help sleep include bananas, apples, oranges, grapefruit, and strawberries.
2. Vegetables: Vegetables also make a great pre-bed snack or meal. They contain fibre which helps regulate digestion and can help you feel more full after eating them. Some vegetables that promote sleep include cucumbers, celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini squash, green beans, peas, and mushrooms.
3. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are high in protein which helps keep you feeling fuller longer after eating them. They also contain minerals like magnesium which is important for healthy nerve function and muscle relaxation. Some nuts and seeds that have been shown to improve sleep include almonds, hazelnuts (which are called filberts in the UK), peanuts (which are called groundnuts in the UK), pumpkin seeds (pepitas in Mexico), sunflower seeds and many more.
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, sleep is a precious commodity. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to get enough shut-eye each night due to big and small stressors in our lives. If you’re looking for ways to improve your sleep habits, consider trying out some of these foods:
Almonds: These nuts are high in magnesium, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and promote relaxation.
Blueberries: These fruits are known for their ability to promote deep sleep and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Coconut Oil: This oil is high in lauric acid, which has been linked with improved Sleep quality and better gut health.
Green Tea: A cup of green tea before bed has been shown to help induce rapid eye movement (REM) and healthy snoring patterns.
