Nutrition Tips for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential for living a healthy lifestyle. Not getting enough sleep can cause many negative effects on one’s health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s important to take steps to make sure you’re getting adequate rest each night. Beyond tweaking your sleep habits, nutrition is one way to make sure you’re getting the rest you need. Read on for nutrition tips to help you get better sleep.
Making dietary changes is an important step in ensuring quality sleep. By selecting the right foods and drinks throughout the day, you can set your body up for success when it’s time to rest. Eating and drinking certain foods can help calm the body, reduce anxiety, and make it easier to slip into a good night’s sleep. Eating heavier meals, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect.
Beyond eating the right types of food, it’s also important to be mindful of your portion sizes. Eating too much of certain foods can cause digestive discomfort, which can have a negative impact on sleep. It’s best to have meals that are balanced in nutrition and size throughout the day.
Foods to Eat Before Bed
If you’re looking for a snack before bed, try to choose something that is light but high in nutrients. Bananas are a great option, as they contain amino acids and magnesium which can help reduce stress levels and trigger relaxation. Bananas also contain tryptophan, which helps produce melatonin that helps you sleep.
Oats are also a good snack option. Oats contain a type of fibre called beta-glucan, which can help improve sleep quality. Eating oatmeal also has a calming effect, while its complex carbohydrates can help promote sleepiness.
Other great snack choices include yogurt, cherries, almond butter, chamomile tea, and hummus. All of these options contain various nutrients that can help your body and mind relax, which can in turn help you get better sleep.
Foods to Avoid Before Bed
It’s best to steer clear of certain foods if you’re looking to get a good night’s sleep. Large meals, spicy foods, and anything high in sugar can all affect your sleep cycle in a negative way. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks should also be avoided.
Alcohol should also be limited before bed. While it might make you sleepy, it can also disrupt sleep cycles later in the night, making it difficult to get adequate rest.
Common Avoidable Offenders
- Large Meals
- Spicy Foods
- Sugary Foods
- Caffeinated Drinks
- Alcohol
Conclusion
Proper nutrition can help improve your sleep patterns. Eating the right types of food and avoiding foods that can have a negative impact on sleep can have a big impact on how many hours of restful sleep you get each night. Incorporating these nutrition tips into your daily routine can help make sure you get the rest you need to live a healthy life.