Serotonin and Melatonin are the hormones which produce calming and relaxing effects on the brain. Tryptophan, an amino acid, acts as a precursor to both these hormones, and the good part is, it is present in some foods. Consuming Tryptophan containing foods along with carbs can boost up the availability of these hormones in the body.
Here is a list of 10 best foods that can get you a good night’s sleep –
1. Nuts: Hazelnuts and peanuts, when consumed in roasted form, can get you a good sleep. Even a peanut butter sandwich can prove to be a good bedtime snack.
2. Eggs: Scrambled eggs with a slice of brown bread can keep you full until next morning. Besides, these foods contain enough tryptophan to induce sleep and to add to the overall health.
3. Whole Grains/Cereals: These food options contain a good combo of tryptophan and carbs. Try having some wheat flakes with milk if you are facing difficulties with sleep.
4. Seafood: You can have a grilled fish with some rice or a prawn salad for your dinner, if sleep has been troubling you quite regularly.
5. Lean Meats: Lean meats have special soothing effects on your nerves. The foods are warm to eat and can help you get a relaxed feeling, which in turn would give you a good sleep.
6. Rice with Beans/Lentils: This food choice denotes a perfect combination of carbs and tryptophan, and hence can induce a good sleep.
7. Soybean/Tofu/Soy Milk: Soy milk contains more tryptophan in comparison to the regular milk. Hence, it can help you sleep better. Soymilk with cereals would make a good bed time snack.
8. Oats: Oats and oatmeal help in increasing the insulin secretion in the body, facilitating the transport of tryptophan to the brain. Have it with soy milk for a better effect.
9. Bananas: Worried about falling asleep tonight? Have a banana before bed. Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which help to relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin, the brain’s key calming hormones.
10.Cherry : Oddly, a glass of cherry juice may be an effective way to fall asleep faster.
Cherries, particularly tart cherries, naturally boosted the body’s supply of melatonin, which helped people with insomnia.
Knowing about the sleep inducing foods and eating them won’t help much if you continue the consumption of “sleep disturbing” foods. You need to cut down on the consumption of caffeine – which appears in soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, chocolate and tea – and other items like alcohol, cigarettes and even spicy foods.
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Manali is a Certified Lifestyle Coach with over 20 years of work experience and has helped many people establish the mind and body connection and balance in their lives.