Sometimes sleep can be elusive, but rather than tossing and turning for hours in bed, reach for foods that will help you sleep better. There are foods that can help ease you into a restful slumber, if you consume them before hitting the sack. So check out a list of seven amazingly delicious foods that will help you sleep better.
1. Nuts
Many types of nuts, like almonds, are rich in tryptophan, that’s why they are so good when you are having a difficult time falling asleep. I usually eat a handful of almonds with cheese before hitting the sack. It helps me a lot! Cashews are also great and they are oh-so delicious! However, make sure you don’t eat too many nuts because they contain a lot of calories.
2. Dairy foods
Most dairy foods contain a sleep-promoting substance, tryptophan. If you can’t seem to fall asleep, opt for this amazing midnight snack. I love eating a cereal with skim milk (you can also take yogurt) with some berries. String cheese is also a great midnight snack that can help you sleep better.
3. Turkey
Do you know why you feel so sleepy after a big Thanksgiving dinner? No? I can tell you! This is turkey! Turkey contains tryptophan and makes you sleepy after eating it. Sure, you don’t have to roast a turkey before bed, but if you are having a hard time falling asleep, eat a slice of turkey with some cheese or have a turkey sandwich.
4. Bananas
You might not consider bananas to be the perfect food to help you sleep better, but it’s actually an amazing food! Packed with magnesium and potassium, bananas can help relax your muscles. Moreover, they contain tryptophan. Have a plain banana or just add it to your smoothie and you will feel drowsy in no time.
5. Pretzels
Tasty pretzels contain carbohydrates that promote the production of serotonin, which regulates sleep. But don’t have them right before hitting the sack because carbohydrates give your body energy. Having a small bowl of pretzels several hours before bed can help you sleep better.
6. Hummus
The base ingredient in hummus, chickpeas, can also help you sleep well. Since hummus has tryptophan and carbohydrates help get the tryptophan to your brain, dipping pita bread or crackers into hummus is the perfect way to begin feeling sleepy. If you don’t like plain hummus, try some flavored versions. There are many of them, from garlic to artichoke to roasted red pepper.
7. Oatmeal
A bowl of hot and delicious oatmeal will fill your belly and give you comfort, so that you will feel sleepy in no time. Eat your oatmeal with a sliced banana to increase your sleepy feelings. You can also add some blueberries, chopped nuts, milk, a tiny bit of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
There is nothing more terrible than a sleepless night. If you are like me and you don’t want to rely on pills, always keep this list in mind. After all, a quick and healthy snack is a delicious and better way to be ready to sleep, isn’t it? Do you have any food to add to this list? Please comment below!