Like salmon, tuna is a fish that can help with sleep. "It not only contains vitamin B6 to assist in the production of melatonin, but it also contains selenium," says Pine. "Those deficient in this important antioxidant may have more difficulty falling asleep."
This effect was thought to be the result of vitamin D. Those in the fish group had higher levels of vitamin D, which was linked to a significant improvement in sleep quality ( 49 ). Eating a few ounces of fatty fish before bed may help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
There are certain food substances that are particularly rich in Tryptophan (turkey and tuna) Occasionally, people will describe having sleepiness after having a tuna sandwich. This may be because of the high amounts of Tryptophan contained in the tuna.
Tuna contains healthy fats, protein, and vitamin B6 which increases melatonin production to induce sleep. Complex carbohydrates of whole-grain crackers boost tryptophan levels in the body too.
Nuts and Seeds
High-sodium diets are linked to poorer sleep quality. Unsalted nuts and or seeds might be a good substitute for salty snacks like potato chips. Pistachios contain the highest amount of melatonin within the nut family. Pistachios also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is related to sleep quality.
Children under six can eat up to one 3-ounce portion a month; children from 6-12, two 4.5-ounce portions a month. Adults, including pregnant women, can safely eat this kind of tuna up to three times a month (women, 6-ounce portions; men, 8-ounce portions).
One Ounce of Cheese or 1/4 Cup of Roasted Nuts
Cheese or nuts are a smart and tasty bedtime snack, says Lemein. In just one ounce of cheese, like sharp Parmigiano Reggiano, there are 10 grams of protein; cheddar, swiss, and mozzarella have between seven and eight grams of protein per ounce.
Nuts. "Walnuts are an awesome late-night snack because they naturally contain melatonin, a compound that supports healthy sleep," says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD. "Plus, walnuts naturally contain magnesium, a mineral that can help calm nerve activity and help people get some healthy shut-eye," she says.
Tuna Improves Your Mood
B vitamins work directly with your brain and nervous system to keep your mood positive. In particular, Vitamin B12 keeps your brain in balance. Eat three ounces of fresh bluefin tuna and get a surprising 153% your recommended daily allowance of B12 for a happy mood all day long.
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna contain healthy fats that feed the brain. The natural oils of these fish are full of Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which are essential for brain health. Eating salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish has been shown to stimulate brain cell growth.
Adding a scoop of tuna to your salad at lunch will give you the energy you need to power through the afternoon. Tuna is an excellent source B vitamins, which your body uses to convert food into energy, and a serving of tuna also contains almost 25 grams of protein, which will keep you awake and alert.
Like salmon, tuna is a fish that can help with sleep. "It not only contains vitamin B6 to assist in the production of melatonin, but it also contains selenium," says Pine. "Those deficient in this important antioxidant may have more difficulty falling asleep."
Seafood, including shrimp, lobster, crab, clams, octopus, and seaweed, are some of the best foods to eat before bed. That's because they're high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that our bodies don't produce on their own.
Fish - There are plenty of fish options in the market but for better sleep, you need fishes that are high in protein such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. These fish are a great source of tryptophan enhancing your sleep. Thus, a plate of Salmon or Tuna before the bedtime is easy to digest and great for your sleep.
“If you are hungry, you should eat something, regardless of the time of day,” says Aimee Takamura, registered dietitian and director of wellness and sustainability at Restaurant Associates. “The act of eating late at night does not affect metabolism or lead to many of the adverse effects you may have heard of.
If you're looking to encourage muscle growth from your workouts, consider adding protein to your late-night routine. By providing the amino acids that your muscles need to repair and rebuild during sleep, you could make gains while you snooze.
Yellowfin and albacore tuna land somewhere in between, containing around 30 micrograms of mercury per 3 ounces. Given these mercury concentrations, people may safely consume three to four servings of low-mercury tuna per week. Higher mercury tuna should be restricted to one serving per week.
Intake of albacore canned tuna should be no more than 4 ounces (113 grams) per week ( 22 ). However, the FDA says it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to eat low mercury fish, such as canned tuna made from light or skipjack tuna ( 22 ). It recommends two to three 4-ounce (113-gram) servings per week ( 22 ).
One of the healthiest choices is canned tuna packed in extra-virgin olive oil, which is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (per the USDA).
The best time to eat dinner is 3 hours before bedtime, allowing the stomach to properly digest and focus on preparing for sleep when bedtime rolls around the corner. Eating small amounts of foods like complex carbs, fruits, veggies, or a small amount of protein will satiate hunger pains and help you fall asleep faster.
Soup is a light and healthy option for a bedtime snack. Choose a variety that is low in sodium and contains vegetables and lean protein. Make sure to avoid cream-based soups, as they can be high in fat and calories.