You Chews, You Snooze: 6 Foods that Help You Sleep
It's National Sleep Awareness Week March 5-11, and did you know that your choice of bedtime snack can affect the quality of the Z's you're getting? The National Sleep Foundation actually suggests that you look for a bedtime snack that has both protein and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates and the tryptophan together will help release insulin and get serotonin and melatonin to the right levels to help you sleep. Try these foods and you'll be off to dreamland.
1. Almonds and Sour Cherries
Almonds have both tryptophan and magnesium, so a handful of these with a few rice crackers or some tart cherries, which contain melatonin, will get you in a sleepy mood in no time.
Make white chocolate almond cherry granola
2. Bananas
Magnesium- and potassium-rich bananas help overworked muscles relax, and when muscles relax they're ready for rest.
Make one-ingredient banana ice cream
Related: The hidden effects of not getting enough sleep
3. Edamame
Edamame makes for a great salty bedtime snack. Mix with rice for a carbohydrate and a protein-based snack.
Make pineapple-ginger rice with edamame
4. Oatmeal
A glass of warm milk helps people fall asleep. Why not put that warm milk in a bowl of oatmeal? Spice it up with your favorite flavors, and you might end your day the same way you started it.
Make chia walnut oatmeal
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is the ideal food to get your protein and carbs in one sitting, as it's half one and half the other. I have a soft spot for FAGE and Wallaby Greek yogurts with blueberries myself.
Make a blackberry yogurt parfait
Related: The 5 most sleep-deprived (and well-rested) professions
6. Tea
Of course, there's always caffeine-free tea. Wind down with a cup and even one of the previously mentioned snacks. Sweet dreams!
Make the perfect cup of tea
- By Shaina Olmanson
For 11 signs that you're sleep-deprived, visit Babble!
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