Did you know that there are specific foods that can help alleviate insomnia? There are many known uses for foods, and the ability for some of them to help humans sleep better is especially unique. Here's a compilation of ten foods – spices, fruits and common food staples like potatoes – that have been scientifically proven to help people sleep better.
1. Bananas
Eat bananas, and you get a large dose of magnesium and potassium which experts say relax muscles and nerves. Furthermore, bananas contain vitamin B6 which contributes to its relaxing properties as the vitamin effectively transforms tryptophan into serotonin, a potent relaxant.
These famous nut snacks are a potent sleep indexer. They contain protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to helping you sleep quicker and better.
Surprisingly, experts warn that eating more than an ounce of these nuts will keep you awake!
Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute says that figs help to soothe the body system by aiding blood flow and muscular work. Even better, figs make for a filling snack because they contain fibre.
It is not too surprising to find this food item on the list. Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger teas are constantly used as relaxants. The science behind this is that they help to hydrate the system, soothe nerves and the stomach collectively inducing sleep.
Have you ever wondered why you feel drowsy after a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast?
Well, that is because oatmeal grains patently trigger the production of insulin, thus raising the blood sugar and making you feel sleepy.
Cynthia Pasquella, CCN, CHLC, CWC also says that oats are rich in melatonin, which relaxes the body and helps you sleep better.
Again, Pasquella shares that if consumed adequately, this delicious spread, which is enriched in tryptophan, can help alleviate insomnia. She says:
"If you're waking up hungry in the middle of the night, that usually means you're not getting enough calories during the day. Eat hummus during the day for better sleep and aim for three small meals overall, plus two snacks if needed."
Just like pistachios, these nuts are healthy sleep inducers. Eating a mere handful will help you quickly sleep because almonds contain tryptophan and magnesium that naturally soothes the body and promote sleep.
Putting turkey on a list of foods that induce sleep remains controversial to this day as some experts say that it cannot be directly associated to sleep as it is commonly eaten with a list of other filling foods.
However, Dr Oz Garcia, MS, PhD confidently reiterates that turkey does have tryptophan in it which is transformed into serotonin and melatonin, essential chemicals that induce sleep.
Sweet potatoes are rich sources of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, so they effectively help you relax.
Cherries are labeled sleep inducers when eaten in an adequate amount. This is because they are a potent source of melatonin.