Top Foods That Help Induce a Restful Sleep Naturally

If you’ve not been getting enough sleep due to one reason or another, chances are you’d do just about anything to get your ZZZ’s. Insomnia can make for a cranky day for sure. If this is your struggle, before you head to your doctor for some treatment, think about incorporating the following foods in your diet,as they have been known to help induce sleep. Your diet is more important than you think, especially before bedtime, so be mindful of what you are putting in your mouth before bed.

1. Tea: Many teas contain caffeine, but there are some that do not. Chamomile tea is a decaf tea that is known for its calming effects. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, states that chamomile mixed with green decaf tea is quite helpful for promoting rest and relaxation before bedtime.

2. Almonds: If you like almonds, they will suit you well before bed, as they have magnesium in them, which health experts state help with relaxation. You can have a tablespoon of almond butter or 1 oz. of almonds before bed.

3. Bananas: Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, author of Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves states that “Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which help to relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin, the brain’s key calming hormones.” You can eat a banana plain or mix it with a cup of soy milk, plus ice if you’d like a smoothie.

4. Miso Soup: Nutritionist Stella Metsovas states that miso soup will help you relax, as it has amino acids that increase melatonin production that induces yawns.

5. Oatmeal: Clinical nutritionist Stephan Dorlandt states that a warm bowl of oatmeal will help you feel more relaxed before bed, as it is high magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Feel free to cut up a banana and mix it in.

6. Hard-cooked egg: Eggs are high in protein and may help you get some good sleep. Simply boil one egg and eat it a little bit before you go to sleep.

7. Cherries: Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania state that cherries can help those with insomnia, so the next time you’re struggling to fall asleep, drink a glass of cherry juice or eat a handful of cherries before bed.

8. Cereal: A small bowl of cereal before bed may suit you well, although be sure that it is low in sugar and whole-grain cereals are beneficial. You can add bananas and/or cherries to it if you’d like.

Try these snacks before bed if you’re having difficulty falling asleep. What works for one might not work for another, so play around with them to see what works for you.

SLEEP FACTS:
Man is the only mammal that willingly delays sleep.
During sleep, your brain rests.
As you get older, you require less hours of sleep.

ACTION:

Make a list of three tips from this article that you will purchase from the store so you’ll have them handy for when you have a difficult time going to sleep.