So, how do you wake up feeling refreshed and energised? And perhaps a little trimmer? Someone recently said to me – “Food For Sleep”. And then walked off! Strange. But it got me curious. Sure enough, research has found that certain food types can really help you in getting a good night’s sleep. Here are our top five recommendations…
1. Kiwi Fruit
It’s the ultimate pre bedtime snack. And they’re pretty delicious! Full of vitamins C and E, serotonin and folate – all of which assist with better sleep. Why not try cracking open one of these furry fellas before you hit the hay?
2. Soy Foods
Isoflavones are compounds that increase the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences the body’s sleep-wake cycle. They can be found in soy based products, such as edamame, tofu and miso. A 2015 study in the Nutrition Journal reported that adults who ate two or more servings of soy a day, slept longer and reported better quality sleep.
3. Fibre Rich Foods
Studies show the more fibre you eat the more you sleep! Fibre prevents blood sugar surges that lower melatonin. Foods that contain fibre include beans, bran, cereals and many others. You may be nipping to the loo a bit more, but at least those eye bags will look better!
4. Fish
Melatonin is a sleep inducing hormone triggered by darkness. This hormone is generated by vitamin B6, which fish have an abundance of! Halibut, tuna, salmon in particular. Why not try upping your fish content and seeing if it works for you?
5. Dairy
Research has suggested that calcium deficiency can make it difficult to nod off. Get some dairy products like yoghurt and milk that boast healthy doses of calcium.
We can’t promise all of these foods you help you sleep like a baby every night. But making some changes to your diet later in the day, is likely to make a difference. Food for thought? Food for sleep!