Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately for many people, getting to sleep can be a challenge.
While there are many ways to promote healthy sleep habits, one simple and natural way is by incorporating sleep-promoting foods into your diet. Here are the top foods that can help you drift off to sleep.
1. Cherries
Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Eating cherries, or drinking fresh cherry juice, can increase levels of melatonin in the body, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Cherries are also a good source of other sleep-promoting nutrients, like magnesium and potassium.
2. Bananas
Bananas are high in magnesium, a mineral that can help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Bananas are also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps the body produce melatonin.
Eating a banana before bed can help you relax and fall asleep faster.
3. Almonds
Almonds are a good source of magnesium and tryptophan, an amino acid that can promote sleep. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help regulate sleep.
Eating a handful of almonds before bed can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are a good source of tryptophan as well as magnesium and melatonin. Eating walnuts can help boost levels of these sleep-promoting nutrients in the body, making it easier to fall asleep.
5. Warm milk
Warm milk is a classic bedtime drink for a reason. Milk contains tryptophan, calcium, and magnesium, all of which can promote relaxation and sleep. Drinking a warm glass of milk before bed can help you unwind and drift off to sleep more easily.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help increase levels of tryptophan in the body. Oatmeal is also a good source of melatonin, making it a great bedtime snack.
Try eating a small bowl of warm oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon before bed to help promote sleep.
7. Chamomile tea
Chamomile is a mild sedative that can help relax the body and promote sleep. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
8. Kiwi
Kiwi is a good source of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help regulate sleep. Eating kiwi before bed can help increase levels of serotonin in the body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
9. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which can help promote relaxation and sleep. Dark chocolate also contains tryptophan and serotonin, making it a great bedtime snack.
Just make sure to choose dark chocolate with a high cacao content and avoid chocolate with added sugar.
10. Tart cherry juice
Like cherries, tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin and can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Drinking a glass of tart cherry juice before bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.