Sleep deprivation is a common cause of problems such as heart disease, memory loss and weight gain. By gaining more sleep, at least eight hours rest a night, you can give your body the time to prevent and cure various issues and illnesses caused by daily stressors.
However, gaining a full night’s sleep isn’t that simple for some. Whether tending to a newborn baby through the night or having difficulty unwinding from a stressful day at work, it can be difficult for most people to fall asleep in the first place.
We’re often advised what to avoid to stimulate a natural sleep, such as caffeine and highly acid food that could induce heartburn. Yet there’s less buzz around what foods can help you drift off into a deep slumber. For some direction on what to order for your weekly food shop, to help you get to sleep, below are a few foods you may want to try.
Nuts
Walnuts and almonds contain melatonin, the sleepy hormone we need to help initiate a good night’s rest, while also helping us maintain a healthy sleep and wake cycle. The sleep-promoting influence of almonds, in particular, is quite promising. A study examined the effects almond extracts had on rodents. The results revealed each animal slept longer.
Fruit
Some variations of fruit contain melatonin, the hormone that your body creates in the absence of light, to help you naturally fall asleep, and stay asleep. Fruit such as pineapple, oranges and whole tart cherries are an excellent source of melatonin, plus they’ll help to curb unhealthy sugar cravings you may be experiencing at night. Also, consider trying other fruits that contain antioxidants, such as plums. Fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants counteract oxidative stress, which is often caused by sleep deprivation.
Edibles
According to Psychology Today, the compound THC found in edible snacks has sedative effects that can help you drift off to sleep. If you’re interested in trialling the positive results, you can buy weed edibles online; however, be mindful of sourcing edibles from a reputable provider, and always double-check the details of the impact you can expect from your new snacks. Besides supporting your body to relax and fall asleep, edibles can also relieve aches, pains and nausea that can make it uncomfortable and challenging for you to gain a peaceful sleep.
Warm Milk
There are two benefits to drinking milk before bed. One is the contents, which consist of tryptophan (a hormone that increases serotonin levels) and melatonin, both scientifically linked to improving a person’s sleep. The other is the psychological association most of us have with warm milk often given to us as children to help instigate a good night’s sleep. There’s also reason to believe that warm milk takes a lot of your body’s resources and energy to digest. During the process, your body naturally becomes tired, making it easier for you to fall asleep.
Among other factors such as a healthy diet and exercise, getting a good night’s sleep is essential to improve your health. Try using the snack and drink ideas above to see what works for you.
