Can Dark Chocolate Aid in Better Sleep?
Are your bedtimes not as restful as you’d like? Well it looks like having some dark chocolate before sleep could act as an alternative to pills and other prescriptions in reducing instances of unrelenting wakefulness during the night. Recent studies have shown that dark chocolate can aid in enhancing sleep quality, duration, and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
The benefits of dark chocolate before sleep were scientifically verified by a study conducted in Italy. In the study, participants taking chocolate in the form of a tablet fell asleep faster than those who took a placebo. Furthermore, they were able to maintain their sleep pattern, with a lower occurrence of night awakenings.
Dark chocolate goes beyond its amazing potential to help you sleep. It is also beneficial from a dietary standpoint. It contains a substantial amount of antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation, reduce stress, and act as a natural anti-anxiety aid. All of which can lead to better sleep.
The Science of Dark Chocolate and Its Effect on Sleep
The active ingredient in dark chocolate that provides nootropic effects is a flavanol called epicatechin, which is also found in tea and several other plants. The antioxidant flavanols found in dark chocolate activate the endocannabinoid system, which is linked to anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects. This, in turn, helps the body to relax and allows you to drift off to sleep more easily.
Dark chocolate is also a source of melatonin, a natural hormone produced by the body that helps to regulate sleep. Dark chocolate has higher levels of polyphenol content, which helps regulate the amount of melatonin released, thereby, resulting in a quality sleep pattern.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate to Include Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Support
The health benefits of dark chocolate are numerous and it is a safe and natural way to promote sleep. Dark chocolate also contains a range of other healthy nutrients, including: Iron, Zinc, Potassium, and Magnesium, all of which help to keep your body systems healthy and functioning properly.
Dark chocolate is also beneficial for weight loss. It helps control appetite and also accelerates the metabolism. Eating dark chocolate in moderation can also help lower overall cholesterol levels. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension by regulating blood pressure.
Dark chocolate can also reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Because of the antioxidants found in dark chocolate, it helps to protect against bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay.
Dark Chocolate as an Aid to Better Sleep – Final Thoughts
If you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, dark chocolate can be a natural and highly effective way to not only improve the quality of your sleep, but also to improve your overall health and well-being. By eating dark chocolate before bed, you get all the benefits that come with its high levels of antioxidants, and also its sleep-promoting properties.
The Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
- Aids in better sleep quality and duration
- Reduces time to fall asleep
- Contains a range of healthy nutrients
- Aids in weight loss
- Protects against bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Regulates blood pressure
Conclusion
Dark chocolate is a safe and effective way to not only aid in better sleep, but to improve overall health and well-being. Its antioxidant properties make it a great way to reduce inflammation, stress, and anxiety, so that you can have more restful sleep. If you’ve been having difficulty sleeping, dark chocolate before bed could be just the thing you need to get some restful sleep. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep, try having some dark chocolate before bed!