The Best Foods to Help You Sleep at Night

It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone likes to sleep. Not just actually sleeping; we even love the idea of falling asleep, whether or not we are tired. The very idea of sleep makes us sleepy, and at times even a power nap is enough to wake us up from our laziness.

Getting a night of good sleep also happens to be extremely important for our health. It regulates our metabolism, freshens up our spirit, blesses us with good skin, and also boosts our immune system. It is generally recommended to get about 7-9 hours of sleep to feel fully rested.

But with the pace of modern life, even when tired, most people struggle to get a decent amount of sleep. One of the important ways in which you can teach your body to fall asleep fast is to make changes to your diet. That is because some foods have sleep-promoting qualities.

Here are the best foods you can have to get a night(s) of good sleep:

• Almonds: As has been always said by our mothers and grandmothers, almonds are a very strong source of nutrition. Almonds play a major role in boosting the quality of sleep. This is because almonds contain magnesium, which plays an important role in helping people sleep, especially those with insomnia. Magnesium reduces inflammation along with reducing the stress-inducing hormone called cortisol that interrupts sleep.

• Chamomile Tea: While tea is not usually considered a beverage that makes people fall asleep, given the caffeine in it, chamomile tea can be considered an exception. Apart from boosting immunity and reducing anxiety, chamomile tea has also been found to contain Apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors of the brain, promotes sleepiness, and reduces insomniac tendencies.

• Kiwis: No, this is not the New Zealand native we are talking about. Rather, we are talking about the fruit, which happens to have low calorie and a lot of nutrition. Kiwis also benefit with digestive health, reduce inflammation and promote good sleep. The sleep-promoting capacity of kiwis is thought to be because of their content of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate sleep cycle. Vitamin C in kiwis is also presumed to have sleep-promoting effects.

• White Rice: White rice happens to be a staple alongside a number of dishes. While a lot of people are shifting to brown rice due to its higher nutritive qualities, white rice is believed to have sleep-inducing capabilities. White rice has a high glycemic index, which is associated with improving sleep quality. It is usually suggested that consuming white rice 1 hour before bedtime can do wonders to sleep.

We all want to sleep and sleep well. And while eating the right kind of food can certainly do wonders, having a pretty bedroom with comfortable bedding can also boost our sleep.

Related blog posts:

1. Foods That Make You Sleepy and the Ones That Keep You Awake!

2. 10 Drinks That Help You Sleep at Night

3. Healthy Breakfast Ideas

4. Is Avocado Healthy?

5. Fall Persimmon Ginger Smoothie

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.