7 Foods to Help You Sleep Better

Mums Tips

Fitness & Health

Published on Saturday, 21 June 2014 19:15

Last Updated on 18 June 2014

Ken Myers

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Running around after your child can be exhausting, but staying up and worrying could deprive you of needed sleep. You don’t want to take medications for they may put you out in a way that doesn’t allow you to awake if your newborn is crying. However, there are several foods that actually help in promoting sleep that isn’t harmful to yourself or your breastfeeding baby.

1. Turkey – Almost everyone feels depleted of energy after a Thanksgiving dinner. This is because of the amount of tryptophan that is in turkey meat. This amino acid aids in the creation of serotonin and melatonin in the body. These hormones are responsible for regulating your body’s need for sleep and awake cycles. The term “turkey coma” is derived from one who eats too much of the bird and falls fast asleep shortly after.

2. Walnuts – Although many people are allergic to walnuts, these little wonders are loaded with proteins as well as tryptophan. It has also been found that these nuts also contain their own melatonin which could increase the rate at which you feel like you need to sleep. They can be eaten alone or used as topping and/or mixed with recipes to help promote a relaxed feeling after dinner or desserts.

3. Almonds – Some people mistake almonds for nuts. In fact, they are actually the seed of a fruit. Almonds are high in magnesium which is a mineral used to improve the quality of your rest. It can also be used to help screen neurotoxins within the body helping your higher brain functions throughout your life.

4. Bananas – Rich in magnesium and potassium, bananas have been used to help relax tense muscles to help people go to sleep at night. These yellow fruits also contain tryptophan in order to promote a calming sensation in the brain. This is aside from the potassium being used by your body to help regulate your blood pressure – which could also cause sleep problems after a long day.

5. Tuna Fish – Tuna is good for your body in a multitude of ways. Not only does it contain omega-3 fatty acids for weight control, but it’s also heavy in vitamin B6. This vitamin helps in the production of melatonin and serotonin in the body. A nice casserole or tuna melt sandwich dinner could help promote a good night’s rest.

6. Chamomile Tea – Teas have been used for a wide range of purposes since humankind began to boil water. Chamomile tea has been a useful sleep agent for millions of people as it acts like a mild sedative. This tea has been associated with an increase of glycine which is a chemical that relaxes the muscles and nerves.

7. Dairy Products – Diary products of all kinds are high in calcium. Not only is this good for your bones, but calcium assists in the use of the tryptophan found in these products. Has a warm glass of milk ever helped you get some sleep? It has helped many for years throughout history.

Getting enough sleep is paramount for anyone. A lack of sleep can cause everything from irrational behaviors to hallucinations. Provide a better diet for yourself and help your body reach a stage of sleep that is natural. You may find that your outlook on life could be much better.