News
10 foods that help promote sleep
While a cup of tea (and a sneaky biscuit or two!) can sometimes be the perfect before-bed nightcap, you sometimes fancy something a little more substantial. Kill two birds with one stone by choosing a snack that’s not only tasty but that can also promote restful sleep.
- A small bowl of air-popped popcorn – A bowl of “proper” popcorn (i.e. not the microwave stuff) is a great option for a nighttime snack as the carbs stimulate the release of insulin, which helps control your circadian clock. Add a little bit of butter and salt for a satisfying snack.
- Apple slices with almond butter – Apple slices with almond butter is not only “dessert” like but the magnesium contained in the almond butter is purported to help alleviate and prevent insomnia and other sleep issues.
- A banana – The original “fast food”, bananas contain magnesium and B6 both of which are reported to promote sleep. B6 in particular helps your body make serotonin, which promotes relaxation.
- Warm milk and honey – An oldie but a goodie! Milk or more precisely, the calcium can help not only promote but keep you asleep while the warmth of the liquid is inherently soothing and calming.
- A slice of cheese – Cheese is high in the amino-acid tryptophan, which can help increase serotonin levels and thus help us relax.
- Miso soup – Not just reserved for Japanese restaurants, miso soup is also a great sleep aid as it contains amino acids that may boost the production of melatonin which helps induce sleep.
- Porridge – While it’s more likely to appear on the breakfast table, a small bowl of porridge can actually be better eaten at night! Porridge contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and potassium, all of which help promote sleep.
- Eggs – Eggs, however you eat them, are great for sleep. While they won’t necessarily help you fall asleep, the protein in them will help you stay asleep so no 3am wakeups!
- Cherries – Cherries, or more specifically, cherry juice has recently been found to help boost the body's supply of melatonin, which is often used to treat insomnia.Try a handful of fresh or dried fruit or a glass of juice.
- Walnuts – These nifty nuts contain melatonin, tryptophan and a healthy amount of protein, all of which promote sleep.