Everyone should have a good night’s sleep, it’s an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. However, many people struggle with insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders.
That’s why we’re going to discuss the best foods to eat before bed for better sleep. Here are some foods that can help you get a good night’s rest:.
1. Bananas
If you’re looking for a fruit that can help you sleep better, bananas are an excellent choice. They contain magnesium, potassium, and tryptophan, which all promote relaxation and sleep.
Magnesium and potassium relax your muscles while tryptophan is converted into serotonin and melatonin, which regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
2. Almonds
Almonds are a healthy snack that’s packed with magnesium, which is essential for quality sleep. Magnesium helps relax your muscles and calm your nervous system, promoting better sleep.
Almonds also contain protein and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full throughout the night.
3. Cherries
Cherries are a good source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Eating cherries or drinking cherry juice one hour before bedtime can help increase melatonin levels in your body and promote better sleep.
Cherries are also naturally low in calories and sugar, making them an excellent choice for a bedtime snack.
4. Warm Milk
Warm milk has been a traditional remedy for sleep for centuries. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that’s converted into serotonin and melatonin in your brain. These chemicals help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and promote relaxation.
Drinking warm milk before bed can help you sleep better, as long as you’re not lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
5. Turkey
Turkey is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Eating turkey for dinner or as a bedtime snack can help increase your tryptophan levels and promote better sleep.
However, be sure to avoid turkey with high levels of sodium or other additives that can interfere with sleep.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy and filling snack that can help you sleep better. It contains complex carbs that increase your insulin levels, which in turn promotes the production of tryptophan and serotonin, two chemicals that regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
Oatmeal is also rich in magnesium, which relaxes your muscles and promotes better sleep.
7. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a popular bedtime drink that promotes relaxation and better sleep. Chamomile and valerian root tea are two popular choices that have been shown to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.
Other herbal teas like lavender, lemon balm, and passionflower also have calming effects that can help you sleep better.
8. Kiwi
Kiwi is a low-calorie fruit that’s rich in vitamins C and E, antioxidants that promote overall health and improve sleep quality. Eating two kiwis one hour before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
Kiwi is also a good source of serotonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and mood.
9. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a healthy snack that’s rich in magnesium and antioxidants that promote relaxation and sleep.
Eating one to two squares of dark chocolate before bed can help you sleep better, as long as it’s not too high in sugar or caffeine. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for the most health benefits.
10. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a good source of casein protein, a slow-digesting protein that can help you stay full and regulate your blood sugar levels overnight. Cottage cheese also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and sleep.
Eating cottage cheese as a bedtime snack can help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with sleep, it’s worth trying to make some dietary changes. Eating foods that promote relaxation and sleep can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply throughout the night.
Try incorporating some of the foods on this list into your bedtime routine and see if they make a difference in your sleep quality.