Foods Linked to Better Sleep: Celebrating World Sleep Day 2023
World Sleep Day has just arrived, and it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Many factors can impact the quality of our sleep, and one of the key ones is our diet. Certain foods can promote relaxation and help us fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Let’s explore some of the foods that have been linked to better and sound sleep, so you can make informed choices about what you eat and improve the quality of your sleep.
- Cherries: Cherries are one of the best food sources of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Research has shown that drinking cherry juice before bedtime can help improve the quality and duration of sleep.
- Almonds: Almonds are an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral that has been linked to better sleep quality. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and promote a feeling of calmness and relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.
- Kiwi: Kiwi is another fruit that has been linked to better sleep. Like cherries, kiwis are rich in antioxidants and contain serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
- Fatty fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to better sleep quality. Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and promote a feeling of relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.
- Herbal tea: Herbal teas such as chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower have long been used as natural sleep aids. These teas contain compounds that promote relaxation and help to reduce anxiety and stress, which can interfere with sleep.
- Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium, two minerals that help to relax the muscles and promote a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Eating a banana before bedtime can help improve the quality of your sleep.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that can help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness. Eating oatmeal before bedtime can help you feel more satisfied and prevent hunger pangs that can interfere with sleep.
The foods we eat can have a significant impact on how well we sleep. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you get better and sound sleep. However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sleep. If you are struggling with sleep issues, it is important to talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist to get the help you need.
Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright
