If you have trouble falling asleep at night, you are not alone, as struggling to get a good night's rest is a common issue. Since so many sleep remedies exist, finding the right option for you may be difficult.
If you need some help getting to sleep but do not want to resort to sleep medication, try some natural options. These methods include solutions as simple as eating a light snack before bedtime.
Many common foods that the average person has access to can aid in sleep if eaten before going to bed at night.
Read on to see which five common foods you can eat before bedtime to soothe you to sleep.
Bananas
Bananas make for a great snack, but did you know they have properties that can help you sleep? Eating a banana before bed can relax your body and help you fall asleep quicker.
Not only are bananas easy to digest, they also contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that can induce sleep-promoting chemicals in your body such as serotonin and melatonin.
Bananas are a great source of potassium and other properties as well. Potassium can help relax your muscles and calm you down at night or if you are feeling tense.
Bananas are high in sugar, however, which you should keep in mind before you eat them. Though as long as you are healthy and balance your diet, a banana could help you out on a sleepless night.
Chamomile Tea
A hot cup of tea is always relaxing. Chamomile tea in particular has antioxidants that help calm your system and relax your body. Unlike other kinds of tea, chamomile tea lacks caffeine, which makes for a good nighttime beverage.
Before heading to bed, cut out distractions, take some deep breaths, and enjoy a hot cup of tea. This could help calm you and make falling to sleep an easier experience.
Toast
Foods that are rich in carbohydrates can induce tiredness. Eating carbs causes your blood sugar levels to rise, which are then lowered by your body's natural production of insulin, resulting in a rush for a few minutes before calming down.
Having some toast at nighttime may result in drowsiness for these reasons, as bread is loaded with carbs. Just be careful and try not to overdo things if your diet does not allow for too many carbs.
Cherries
Cherries have relaxing properties such as potassium and magnesium, just like bananas. Some tart cherries make for a good late night snack thanks to their antioxidants and other attributes.
Cherry juice contains these properties as well, making a small cup of it at night a good drink to help you wind down.
Next time you are feeling overactive and unsure if you will be able to sleep at night, give a handful of tart cherries or a small cup of tart cherry juice a try. You just might be surprised at how relaxed you become.
Almonds & Other Nuts
Almonds are high in magnesium as well as riboflavin, which can both encourage calmness. Be aware that almonds are high in calories, so a little goes a long way.
Eat just a small handful or an ounce of almonds at night along with a glass of water. The almonds can absorb the water and will help you feel full and not cause you to overeat.
Other nuts such as pistachios and Brazil nuts can also relax your body at night. Just a few before bed could be what you need to help you drift off to sleep.
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Know that eating too much heavy food before bed is not good for you. For every item on this list, stick to small servings for better results and to avoid upsetting your stomach while you sleep.
Being mindful of the things you eat at night will lead you to a healthier body and a more restful night's sleep.
