You’ve set up a routine before going to bed that includes not looking at your phone, having a comfortable & supportive mattress, a dark & cool room, a cozy sheet set, lavender diffusing, and calming music. Despite these efforts, you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night. What could be the villain, stealing your zzzzz’s and leaving you tired, emotional and grumpy in the morning?
Research has shown how well you sleep depends on the type, amount and timing of food you consume before hitting the sack. It is best to have your last full meal at least two hours before laying down for the night. This gives your body the time it needs to digest food. Even if you feel sluggish after consuming a meal, it signals the body that it is time to be awake, alert and ready. It is recommended that if dinner is a heavy meal, eating earlier can spare you tossing and turning. It is recommended to eat a light dinner or earlier in the evening to avoid potential discomfort.
There are foods that have been proven beneficial before sleep, so go ahead, grab a handful of the following food and see what kind of impact it has!
Almonds and many other nuts contain melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. They’re naturally high in the mineral magnesium, zinc and selenium.
Bananas have vitamins and minerals that enhance relaxation and sleep. They have a high amount of magnesium and if you’re experiencing leg cramps, bananas can be the remedy you need.
Kiwi Fruit are adored by researchers for their high antioxidant and serotonin levels, promoting better sleep.
Tart Cherries are known to stimulate sleepiness and improve sleep quality. They’ve got natural anti-inflammatory properties that improve sleep quality.
Oatmeal is a great source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Turkey is rich in the amino acid tryptophan which helps your body produce the hormones serotonin and melatonin.
Pumpkin Seeds like bananas have high levels of magnesium which helps calm your nervous system.
Giving your body the nutrients it needs, will promote better sleep and improve your health. You can boost your immune system with a good night’s sleep and the addition of some of the above foods. Have you ever noticed having restless sleep after eating certain foods? After trying some of the above foods, leave us a comment below and let us know how these benefited you.
