Is there anything worse than waking up after a night of no sleep? How about going to work or school with barely an hour of shuteye from the previous night?
No matter how you look at it, poor sleep habits can lead to a number of physical and neurological problems – ranging from decreased cardiovascular health, stress management and even weight loss difficulties. Increased exercise is one way to help catch some more Zzzs, but you might also want to consider incorporating some of these snooze-friendly foods into your regular diet.
Tea
There are many herbal and decaffeinated varieties of tea – particularly chamomile tea and decaf green tea – that can help you fall asleep more easily. Green tea actually possess a substance known as theanine, which may assist with better sleep habits.
Cherries
Got a soft spot for cherries? Well, this delicious fruit can also offer a helping hand when it comes to falling asleep each night. Forbes.com notes that fresh cherries are a great natural source of melatonin, a substance that may be able to promote a more restful night’s sleep.
Bananas
Not just a quick breakfast, bananas may also be beneficial as a snack right before bed, according to the Huffington Post. The reason is twofold – bananas are sources of both magnesium and potassium. Magnesium may aid the body in relaxing nerves and muscles, while potassium can do the same, on top of promoting better blood circulation and digestion.
Dairy
That old idea of drinking a warm glass of milk before bed might not be so far off the mark. WomansDay.com reports that dairy products that are packed with calcium can be great sleep aids. Calcium may be able to reduce stress levels, relax the body and calm the mind for a better night’s sleep. This goes for milk and yogurt as well.
Eating habits
Beyond eating the right foods, it’s important to follow healthy dietary habits to enjoy a good night’s sleep, reports EverydayHealth.com. In particular, you should avoid gorging on snacks right before bed, as this can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Alternately, you shouldn’t go to bed hungry either, so choose pre-bedtime snacks that are light and won’t hurt your stomach. The source also suggests sticking with familiar foods at night so you don’t have an unexpectedly poor reaction to what you’re eating.
