7 Sleep Inducing Foods And Lifestyle, Dietary Tips

Sleep Inducing Foods And Lifestyle, Dietary Tips:

Sleep affects every aspect of health. Fortunately, some foods and drinks contain compounds that help control your sleep cycle, meaning that they may help a person both fall and stay asleep. Do a little restorative yoga and yoga nidra before bedtime; a 15-minute practice will help you ease those frayed nerves. And some best tips on how to sleep through the night and which minerals and vitamins help with a good sleep in detail. Check out the following sleep inducing foods that help you sleep like a baby.

Feeling full after dinner is a great way to induce drowsiness and eventually sleep. However, eating a large meal before bed is a bad idea, but drinking some of the best sleep-inducers can do you good. Here are 7 common and yet surprisingly effective foods that help you fall asleep.

1. Warm Milk:

Milk contains the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. This hormone is naturally produced in the body in the late hours of the night to help you sleep or at least commence the sleep process. Milk also has tryptophan amino acid (a precursor to the ‘feel-good’ hormone) which is also converted to melatonin in the body. This is true because milk comprises of tryptophan, an amino acid that transforms into serotonin. It is known to have a calming effect on the brain which facilitates sound sleep. Also, adding a couple of garlic cloves along with a pinch of cardamom and crushed almonds to the milk will not only improve the taste but also promote a good night’s sleep. Adding a teaspoon of honey also makes it delicious and healthier!

• When to take: 45 mins before sleeping
• Quantity: 240ml

2. Nuts:

Nuts and seeds are a very good source of heart-healthy fats. Nuts like walnuts and almonds comprise of melatonin, which is a hormone that helps in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, eating these foods can increase the levels of this hormone in your blood and in turn promote good sleep.

• When to take: 1 hr before sleeping
• Quantity: 8-10

3. Cherries:

This fruit too contains the hormone melatonin, which is created by the pineal gland that controls the sleep-wake cycle.

• When to take: 15 mins before sleeping
• Quantity: 8-10

4. Dark Chocolate:

When consumed in moderation, this is one of the best sleep-inducing foods. Dark chocolates also encompass serotonin, which has a palliative effect on the mind and nerves and therefore helps you to catch up on some valuable sleep.

• When to take: 30 mins before sleeping
• Quantity: 3-4 pieces

5. Bananas:

This fruit is very effective in making you sleep in peace as it comprises of muscle-soothing magnesium and potassium. Also, the good amount of carbohydrates present in bananas makes you feel sleepy, naturally.

• When to take: 20-25 mins before sleeping
• Quantity: 1

Banana Smoothie: A full stomach really helps you sleep quickly and a lot more comfortably. The heavier you feel, the heavier your eyelids get. That’s where the banana smoothie comes in. Half a ripe banana, a bunch of almonds or almond butter blended, results in a delicious, healthy and filling drink for a good night’s rest.

6. Cottage Cheese:

Cottage cheese, which is rich in lean protein, is a powerhouse of the amino acid, tryptophan which escalates the levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a brain chemical and low levels of this chemical can lead to sleeplessness.

• When to take: 1 and a half hrs before sleeping
• Quantity: 50-75gm

7. Complex Carbs:

To enjoy a peaceful sleep at night, consider avoiding edibles like refined pasta, white bread, sugar-rich foods, and baked stuff as these foods reduce serotonin levels which hamper sound sleep. Instead, consider eating whole grains like oats, popcorn and whole wheat crackers as a bedtime snack.

Coconut Water:

This natural refresher helps you sleep quicker too! Being a rehydrating cool drink, it is also rich in magnesium which is great for your body. It also has potassium and some B vitamins, which are very healthy. Drinking a glass of coconut water at least an hour before sleeping helps you relax, removes all your stress, regulates your blood circulation and lowers your blood pressure.

Lifestyle And Food Choices That Boost Sleep:

1. Avoid spicy foods that can lead to heartburn.
2. Stay away from foods and drinks that are rich in caffeine, especially close to sleep time.
3. Swap refined wheat foods like pasta and bread with whole-grain foods.
4. Get in some regular exercise as it helps enhance sleep patterns.
5. Refrain from skipping meals.
6. Always stay hydrated.

To get the maximum benefits from these wonderful sleep-inducing foods, ensure that you finish eating more than two or three hours before bedtime to decrease the troubles of indigestion and acid reflux.

The best dream ever is to fall asleep the moment your head hits the pillow, right? Unfortunately, your brain doesn’t stop buzzing like a bee when you summon the will to go to sleep. So in order to quiet a buzzing brain, it’s always good to stay away from handheld devices at least an hour in advance. Apart from this, there are also many natural ways to help you snooze quickly. You also need to practice sleep hygiene to help shut your eyes the moment you lie on the bed. Additionally, not having caffeinated drinks at least four hours before bed and dimming the light to create a sleep-conducive environment is the best practice to summon sleep.