More than a Good Night’s Sleep

Adults need at least six hours of sleep each day and with the stressful lives we live, that is close to impossible. We all know that having a good night’s sleep means having a great morning after. We don’t really want to shove down ourselves all those chemical pills to help us fall asleep as we can get addicted to it. When having your dream sleep takes more than just a lullaby to come by, you need to look to the foods you eat.

What Foods Will Aid You to Get Better Sleep?

Foods can help perk up or slow down your brain and you need to choose foods that are high in sleep-inducing chemical called Tryptophan, such as dairy products ( cheese & milk ), seafood, soy products ( soybean, milk or tofu ), poultry, meats, whole grains, beans, rice, lentils, hummus, hazelnuts, eggs, peanuts, and seeds of sunflower or sesame.

Is Drinking Warm Milk Helpful in Making You Sleep Better?

There is no scientific evidence that drinking warm milk can help you sleep better at nights. Although people may feel comfortable doing so, this myth can be related to the placebo effect of believing that it will really make you fall asleep.

How Do You Eat Right to Have Better Sleep at Nights?

It will always come down to one word: Moderation. You have to watch out your diet carefully and follow these healthy habits:

1. Don’t eat large meals that are high in fat before you go to sleep. This can make you stay awake at nights, not to mention, making your risk of weight gain higher.

2. Take a small snack several hours before bedtime so you won’t get awake suddenly at nights due to hunger pangs.

3. If you’re prone to heartburn, avoid eating foods that are spicy.

4. Don’t drink too much fluids before going to bed or it can wake you up at nights when you have to go to the bathroom.

5. Avoid caffeine at all costs before going to sleep. Know that this is a stimulant that keeps you awake. Try drinking your last cup of your favorite coffee eight hours before you go to sleep.

6. Avoid alcohol. Many think that drinking alcohol makes you more sleepy. Although this may be true, alcohol prevents you from getting deeper sleep, resulting to you waking up with a tired feeling ( or the worst hangover of your life ).

Did You Know?

Eating a bag of non-fat popcorn, thirty minutes before bedtime, will help you achieve relaxation. The carbs in the food will make your body produce a neurochemical called Serotonin – making you feel good and relaxed. Just make sure your skip the butterfat!

You can also try deep breathing techniques, meditation, or binaural music to help you achieve the deepest stage of sleep. Sometimes, all you need is a makeover of your bedroom to make it more conducive to sleep. Always keep in mind that choosing health will always win when it comes to your battle with sleep. Sweetest Dreams!

Foods to Help You Sleep