6 Foods That Help You Sleep Better
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night can be challenging.
If you’re struggling to get a full eight hours, there are a number of ways to support your body. Here are some foods that can help you sleep better.
1. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of magnesium, a natural muscle relaxant. They also contain potassium and vitamin B6, which can help regulate your sleep cycle. Eat a small banana with some almond butter before bed for a satisfying snack to help you sleep better.
2. Almonds
Almonds are another excellent source of magnesium, as well as being high in calcium and tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin, which then converts to melatonin. Eat a small handful of almonds in the early evening, and you should be able to fall asleep more easily.
If you’re looking for other foods high in magnesium, include a square of dark chocolate, avocado, pumpkin seeds, nuts, beans, and whole grains in your food plans.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has long been used as a natural remedy for better sleep. It contains compounds that have a sedative effect on the body, and it’s also caffeine-free, so it won’t keep you awake at night. Drink a cup of chamomile tea an hour or two before bedtime.
4. Oats
Whole oats are rich in magnesium and potassium, two minerals that play a role in muscle relaxation. Oats also contain high levels of melatonin, making them an ideal food for promoting sleepiness. I recommend choosing organic rolled oats to avoid glyphosate exposure.
5. Cherries
Cherries are another of the few natural sources of melatonin, known for its role in regulating your sleep cycle. Eat a handful of cherries before bed if they are in season, or drink cherry juice or tea.
6. Turkey
Turkey is also a good source of tryptophan. It’s also a good source of protein, which can help promote muscle growth and repair while you sleep.
Other sources of tryptophan include chicken, eggs, cheese, nuts, and seeds. You can also find tryptophan in some fruits and vegetables like bananas, pineapple, spinach, and pumpkin.
There are a variety of foods that can help you sleep better. If you’re having trouble sleeping through the night, try incorporating some of these foods into your diet.
Looking For More Support?
If you find that these foods do not provide sufficient support, you may need to explore whether your activities before you go to bed are hindering sleep. Making changes in your patterns can be surprisingly effective.
Should you find that even these adjustments aren’t enough, reach out to me and we can talk about other options.
Sleep is vitally important to our overall health and, thus, it is worth the effort to explore what support enables you to relax and sleep well.
