I was intrigued by a post Sister Erin recently proffered on natural food-based ways to beat insomnia. They go far beyond the traditional warm milk! And how they work is as fascinating as what they are. Prepare to be surprised!
Never settle for a ‘bad night’ again: You have effective – and tasty – recourse!
A grand compendium
The folks at Bed Kingdom – a major UK retailer of all things sleepable – provided the list Erin handed me. But I immediately resolved to do further research. I knew from my own experience there were more than ‘5 Top Foods’ to include in any comprehensive rundown of sleep-enhancers. So I also consulted Healthline.com, The Sleep Foundation, and The Cleveland Clinic…
The official rundown
Almonds
Contain: Vitamin B and magnesium, which can help promote better sleep, along with melatonin.
Peanut Butter
Contains: Heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and a sleep-inducing chemical called tryptophan
Walnuts
Contain: Heart-healthy fats and the sleep-bringing hormone melatonin – one of its best natural sources.
Dark Chocolate
Contains: Serotonin, a chemical associated with calmness and relaxation. Also high in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats.
Popcorn
Contains: Melatonin and tryptophan. Supports production of serotonin.
Turkey
Perhaps the best food source of tryptophan. Long accepted as the instigator of many a post-prandial nap following a festive feast!
Camomile Tea
Contains: Apigenin. An antioxidant which binds to certain receptors in your brain that appear to promote sleepiness. By far the most popular tea among folks who want to calm down or relax.
Tart Cherry Juice
Contains: Large amounts of melatonin. Also rich in magnesium and antioxidants.
Oatmeal
Says Healthline: “Oatmeal is high in carbs with a bit more fiber and has been reported to induce drowsiness when consumed before bed. Additionally, oats are a known source of melatonin.”
Dairy products
Milk, cottage cheese and plain yogurt, are known sources of tryptophan. Some folks insist that all cheeses – because of their high carb content – are effective in promoting sleep.
Complex Carbohydrates
The Cleveland Clinic recommends: “Embrace whole-grain bread, cereals, pasta, crackers and brown rice…”
My take
Some of the above curated sleep aids are claimed to be much more effective than others. But all have proven potential to help you relax and drift off when you’re agitated or your mind is racing over some care of the day.
So don’t settle for a ‘bad night’ ever again. You have effective – and tasty – recourse!
~ Maggie J.