By now, many people realize that the foods they eat have a big impact on how they feel during the day. However, your diet also impacts how well you sleep at night, and some foods are better for this purpose than others.
Here’s a look at some of the healthiest natural foods to help you sleep well at night and wake up feeling more rested.
Almonds
Almonds and other nuts contain melatonin, which is a natural sleep regulator, and also magnesium, which has shown promise in helping people with insomnia during research studies. This is because magnesium may reduce inflammation and stress hormone levels.
Herbal Tea
One of the best things that you can consume before bed is herbal tea because these teas do not contain caffeine and have calming effects. Recommended types of herbal tea to try before bed include chamomile, mint, lavender, and vanilla.
Fatty Fish
Fatty types of fish, such as salmon and tuna, are filled with many health benefits, so you can also try eating more fish in the evenings for dinner. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are both important parts of a well-balanced diet.
Kiwi
You might not necessarily think about eating kiwis before bed, but these fruits have been studied for their ability to help people fall asleep more quickly than if they didn’t eat anything before sleeping. Kiwis contain natural serotonin, which helps regulate your sleep cycle. They are also rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack at any time.
Turkey
There’s a good reason why many people feel sleepy after a big turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Turkey contains tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps produce the sleep-regulating hormone of melatonin. It is also rich in protein, which may boost sleep quality.
Cherries
Cherries are another healthy fruit to eat before bed, especially tart cherries and tart cherry juice. Cherries contains natural melatonin to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Cherry juice is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin C.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a good food to eat at bedtime in a similar way as having a glass of milk before bed. Yogurt contains calcium, melatonin, and tryptophan, which are all great for bedtime.
Honey
Natural, local honey is a healthy food with numerous health benefits, including promoting restful sleep. Honey contains glucose, which helps put the neurotransmitters in the brain at ease when it’s time to rest.
Eggs
Most people think of eating eggs in the morning for breakfast, but you can also switch up your routine and eat eggs before bed for better sleep. Eggs contain tryptophan and can be easily incorporated into dinner dishes for your evening meal.