One of the worst and most common occurrences for many is having trouble falling asleep (and staying asleep). The latest ideal quota is 7-8 hours per night. Aside from the usual suggestions of a dark room, comfy bedding, avoiding caffeine, here are some snack ideas that aren’t just healthy, but actually encourage a restful night’s sleep!
Your body and brain will thank you in the morning for choosing one of these:
- Unbuttered Popcorn – The carbs help to create serotonin, a key relaxing neurochemical. Try this recipe I previously posted: A Tasty & Nutritious Snack
- Oatmeal with Sliced Banana – Sleep is inspired by the hormone melatonin, but stress or excitement can disrupt melatonin’s release. Both oatmeal and bananas contain sleep-inspiring melatonin. Bananas also contain serotonin and magnesium (a muscle relaxant).
- Sesame Seeds – These little guys are one of the best natural sources of tryptophan aka that sleep-inducing amino acid we always associate with Thanksgiving’s main course (turkey). Try sprinkling them on salads, sandwiches, etc. I also love buying whole grain bread that has an outer coating of sesame seeds.
- A 4-ounce Glass of Unsweetened Cherry Juice or Fresh Cherries – Cherries naturally have serotonin-inducing carbohydrates as well as melatonin. Try having some cherry juice/fresh cherries an hour before bedtime (in case you feel a small jolt of energy from the sugar) for some high quality zzz’s. Trader Joe’s “Just Cherry Juice” is a great option.
- Red Bell Peppers – Researchers have found that vitamin C is excellent at reducing the secretion of cortisol, a hormone released in your body when you’re stressed. Calorie for calorie, red bell peppers give you more vitamin C than any other vegetable or fruit! If you can reduce your overall stress levels you are much more likely to have a restful night’s sleep.
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Did you sleep well last night? If not, I really hope that these recommendations will help you!
Very very interesting! Thanks. I have a friend who has trouble sleeping – I’ll pass it on to her!
Blessings!
Ann
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This is so interesting! Next time I can’t sleep I’m totally going for the popcorn.
xo
Valerie
I hadn’t heard of any of these and am so happy to see them b/c sometimes it is tough to get to sleep especially with so much going on. One of my go-to’s is celery. It works wonders!!
Red peppers, huh? I’m trying that!
xo,
c
These are really interesting. I sleep like a rock the moment my head hits the pillow, but I know several people who could really benefit from these ideas! Thanks for the helpful explanations, too; I’m much more likely to do something if I know why it helps. :-)
Im still a bit under the weather and I have a hard time sleeping but the idea of banana oatmeal before bed makes me happy:) I am going to try it tonight. Thanks, sweetheart
Muah
I really need these tips lately!
I just realized that my comment made me sound well-rested. Ha. My problem is actually allowing myself enough time to sleep!
Totally need this! Love it!=)
these are great tips! My brother has difficulty falling asleep so I’ll tell him about these ideas!
I usually sleep ok. My son (4) slept in our bed last night and I was absolutely amazed at how well he slept: from 8pm until 7:30am (had to wake him up!), he didn’t wake once, hardly stirred, he was just out! Bit scary, too.
I wish I read this yesterday!!! I have cherry juice and will be using it tonight! Good tips…hope you’re having a great week! xoxo
Hmm so interesting! what a list! thanks
Good stuff! I will be sure to include these in dinner to make Wes nice and sleepy :)
Awesome tips! and so easy to try!!!!!
xoxoxooxoxx
I can’t wait to try some of these! You have seriously just made my day…I need these tips! Thanks Annie. xo
I honestly need 9 hr of sleep and I love sleeping… I have no problems getting those 9 hr. But, it’s always good to know info that helps you.
Great! I will take one of each. Now what to do with the little ones who awaken at 4:30am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready for the day?!!! Ugh.
Great tips…but seriously I am in bed now and I feel the need to go all the way downstairs for popcorn : )
some good tips!
I love all of these things, so I am glad to know they help with sleeping better!
Very interesting article! I thought drinking milk was the best solution to have a good night’s sleep but it wasn’t even on the list. Thanks for giving other options!