Foods That Help You Sleep

While we are constantly hearing about ways to help us sleep better and longer, from darkening a room to using lavender, there’s something else that could be standing in the way of your slumber – your diet. Here are several food suggestions that could help you with your sleep.

Cashew nuts

Snack on cashew nuts throughout the day. Packed with magnesium, touted as ‘nature’s anti-stress mineral’, these nutrient-packed nuts will ensure that you can get your 40 winks when your head hits the pillow.

Keep a stash in your desk drawer to curb hunger cravings and ensure your magnesium levels are topped up.

Turkey

Turkey’s not just for Christmas, it’s for the whole year! This rich protein source is packed with the amino acid tryptophan which has a calming effect on the brain.

Our bodies convert tryptophan into serotonin and melatonin, hormones which are both essential for a peaceful night’s sleep. When these hormones are not at the optimum levels it can disrupt our sleep patterns so make sure you have turkey twice a week for maximum results.

Expert Comment:

Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND says, “Serotonin, the feel good brain chemical that is boosted artificially by some medications, depends on magnesium for its production and function. A person that is going through a stressful period without sufficient magnesium can set up a deficit that, if not corrected, can linger, causing sleep difficulties, depression and further health problems.”