Five Sleep Inducing Foods

Foods to improve sleep quality

Whole Grain Bread with Honey

The clocks are springing ahead this weekend and we need all the help we can get. Try these five sleep inducing foods to give yourself a head start on surviving the time change.

  1. Honey – Honey contains glucose, which tells your brain to shut off a chemical known to trigger alertness, known as orexin. It doesn’t take much – just one tablespoon is enough to encourage a good night’s sleep. Try it on oatmeal or yogurt.
  2. Almonds – A handful of almonds can send you drifting into dreamland. That’s because almonds contain tryptophan (yes, the same hormone found in turkey that causes that post Thanksgiving dinner nap). Almonds also contain magnesium, which is known to naturally reduce muscle and nerve function and steady heart rhythm, preparing your body for sleep.
  3. Oatmeal – You probably think of oatmeal as a breakfast food, but it can also be the perfect bedtime snack. Oats are rich in melatonin, which helps your body fall asleep.
  4. Cherries – Cherries are another rich source of melatonin. Studies have shown that eating cherries on a regular basis can help regulate your sleep cycle.
  5. Bananas – Besides being a super quick and easy snack, bananas are loaded with good stuff to help you sleep. They are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium which serve to relax muscles and nerves. Plus, the vitamin B6 found in bananas converts tryptophan into serotonin, increasing relaxation.