Cherries. Cherries and cherry juice contain high levels of melatonin, a hormone in the brain that controls your sleep regulation. One study even shows that drinking tart cherry juice could improve sleep in people who suffer from insomnia.
Not to mention, fruits and vegetables such as bananas, avocados, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes are all loaded with nutrients to help you drift off easily during bedtime. So, now you won't have to worry about going to sleep on an empty stomach the next time you're craving a snack.
Eating acidic fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and pineapples at night can cause acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
Nuts and seeds, fish, and avocados are some healthy foods that are rich in magnesium. The unsaturated fats found in these foods contribute to the production of serotonin. They also contain plenty of vitamin B5, the lack of which can contribute to insomnia and disrupted sleep.
Eggs and fish are higher melatonin-containing food groups in animal foods, whereas in plant foods, nuts are with the highest content of melatonin. Some kinds of mushrooms, cereals and germinated legumes or seeds are also good dietary sources of melatonin.
Taking a bath, reading, or listening to quiet music before bedtime may also leave sleepers relaxed and ready for deep sleep. In addition to relaxing activities, sleepers should try to avoid discussing or thinking about stressful topics before getting into bed.
A warm bath or a massage before bedtime can help prepare you for sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as taking a hot bath, reading, soft music, breathing exercises, yoga or prayer. Avoid trying too hard to sleep. The harder you try, the more awake you'll become.
One study. View Source of older adults with insomnia found that magnesium supplementation at a dose of 500 milligrams daily for eight weeks helped them fall asleep fast, stay asleep longer, reduced nighttime awakenings, and increased their levels of naturally circulating melatonin.
According to Buchanan, protein “is the most immediately satiating macronutrient.” That's why nuts, hummus, and yogurt are all such excellent late-night snacks. Since melatonin is a sleep-enhancing hormone, foods rich in it such as pistachios, bananas, and grapes also serve as excellent bedtime treats.
According to one study, kiwis have shown to improve sleep quality and may be one of the best foods to eat before bed. In a 4-week study, 24 adults ate 2 Zespri® Green Kiwifruit one hour before bed every night. Results indicated the adults fell asleep 42% quicker and stayed asleep 13% longer.
Dairy products such as Greek Yogurt contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which may help you to feel drowsier before heading to bed. After you eat foods rich in tryptophan, your body converts it into two hormones, serotonin and melatonin, which may promote a restful night's sleep.
One major explanation for the sleeping-boosting effect of tart cherry juice is melatonin. Unlike in warm milk, melatonin can be directly found in cherries. Melatonin is an antioxidant that is known to regulate sleep cycles. Tart cherry juice also has tryptophan that helps in producing melatonin.
Bottom Line. While there are benefits to drinking water before bed, it can be disruptive to your sleep, as it can lead to frequent nighttime wakings to urinate. If you feel very thirsty before bed, you may want to drink a small glass of water to help you get through the night.
Some water before bed helps your body stay hydrated at night. However, too much water before bed can interrupt your sleep cycle and lead to a chronic lack of sleep. That, in turn, can increase your risk of obesity and hinder weight loss. Low drinkers of water will want to up their intake during the day instead.
Yes, blueberries are generally considered a healthy food to consume before bed.
Blueberries Improve Memory, Sleep Quality, and Mood
They're also an excellent source of melatonin—the hormone that helps you sleep. The body metabolizes melatonin very quickly, so it's a great choice for those struggling with insomnia.