Have you ever found yourself counting sheep at night, tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep? Perhaps you’ve tried everything from lavender essential oil to meditation, but nothing seems to work.

The answer might be simpler than you think: indulging in some homemade candy.

The Science Behind Candy and Sleep

While it might seem counterintuitive to eat sugar before bed, research suggests that consuming small amounts of simple carbohydrates, such as candy, can actually help you fall asleep faster.

This is because sugar triggers the production of insulin, which helps the body release tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain, making it easier to drift off to sleep.

Of course, it’s important to consume candy in moderation and be mindful of how much sugar you’re consuming overall.

Too much sugar can spike your blood sugar levels and lead to a crash later on, which could make it even more difficult to fall asleep. But if you’re looking for a sweet treat to help you unwind at the end of a long day, here are some easy homemade candy recipes to try.

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:.

1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:.

In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted.
Using a spoon, divide the melted chocolate evenly between the muffin cups, spreading it up the sides of the liners with the back of the spoon.
Place the muffin tin in the fridge for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
Once the chocolate has set, use a spoon to spoon the peanut butter mixture onto the chocolate layer, dividing it evenly between the cups.
Top each cup with another spoonful of melted chocolate, spreading it over the peanut butter filling to cover it completely.
Place the muffin tin back in the fridge for another 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
Remove the peanut butter cups from the muffin tin and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

Ingredients:.

Assorted fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, or mandarin oranges
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and dry the fruit, and remove any stems or peels.
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted.
Dip the fruit into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat it evenly.
Place the fruit on the prepared baking sheet and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
Once the chocolate has set, store the fruit in an airtight container in the fridge.

Homemade Gummies

Ingredients:.

1 cup 100% fruit juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup gelatin powder

Instructions:.

In a small saucepan, heat the juice and honey over medium heat until warm.
Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the liquid, whisking constantly until it is fully dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds or a baking dish lined with parchment paper, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Place the molds or baking dish in the fridge for about an hour, or until the gummies have set.
Remove the gummies from the molds or baking dish and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

While candy shouldn’t be relied on as a cure-all for sleepless nights, it can be a fun and tasty way to unwind and calm your mind before bed. These homemade candy recipes are easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

So next time you’re having trouble sleeping, try indulging in some sweet treats. Sweet dreams!.