Today’s post has been written by guest blogger Treisha Marle, who has some quick tips for promoting sleep with appropriate nutrition.
Eating can be one of the best parts of our everyday life! Who wouldn’t agree? Accept it or not, many of us crave different kinds of foods every single day. For better or worse, people eat to ease hunger, gain energy for daily tasks, forget problems (momentarily), and so on. But did you know that, within so-called “energy foods” that provide us with the nutrients we need to “get us going” everyday, are some hidden elements that promote sleep?
Yes, you read that right: there are foods that promote sleep! So ease your worries about the sleepless nights you may have. Here are the top 5 foods that can help you get your “zzz’s”!
Milk and Bananas
Ever wonder why your kids feel sleepy after giving them their milk before bed time, or after eating bananas for dessert? It’s because of L-Tryptophan. This type of amino acid enables our system to produce hormones called melatonin and serotonin. These hormones are responsible for telling our brains to relax and sleep.
Tea
Since some adults are not keen on drinking milk, tea can be a good substitute. Tea is not only a cleansing drink, but it also promotes sleep. Natural caffeine-free teas like camomile, fennel, and anise tea help us feel relaxed and ready for sleep. Teas also help to cleanse our body as we sleep, making us feel light and refreshed as we wake up the next day.
Oatmeal
Who says oatmeal is only eaten during breakfast? It can also be eaten before sleeping. Just like milk, oatmeal releases serotonin which helps our body to feel relaxed and, in turn, encourages sleep.
Cherries
Cherries contain melatonin, helping us to fall asleep. This substance is secreted by the brain to regulate our sleep cycles, and helps our bodies to relax into stress-free sleeping through the night.
Of course, these foods are not the only key to getting enough hours of good quality sleep. Avoiding foods that encourage alertness, and maintaining an active lifestyle are critical to sleeping well. For example, you should avoid consuming too much caffeine as it is a stimulus for your brain and your body, holding you back from falling asleep. Avoid eating too much during dinners; some health professionals recommend that you eat at least 3 hours before bed time. In addition, a comfortable bed mattress also helps the body to doze off quickly. Regular exercise is also needed to regulate the concentration of hormones in your blood that impact upon your state of wakefulness or repose. Plan for and engage in a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy restful, relaxing sleep.
Author Bio:
Treisha is a portrait of a modern-day Party Girl. Nights of dancing and socializing are not uncommon in Treisha’s life, but she claims to know and respect her limits. When responsibilities and opportunities align themselves, she knows how to prioritize them and keep them in order. Treisha works part-time as a blog manager and writer for Uratex Blog.