The Skinny:
Billy Shakespeare perhaps summarized it best for those who have trouble snoozing when he wrote: to sleep, perhaps to dream. Obviously, one really can’t be accomplished without the other, which is little solace for those who lie awake most nights. Regardless, there are a lot of sleepless nights in America, according to the American Sleep Association. This organization reports that 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, which include 30 million individuals who deal with short-term insomnia. There are, of course, lots of ways people try to help themselves sleep better, including drugs, therapies, technologies and alternative treatments, among others. Food is yet another way to promote nighttime relief. Admittedly, not all foods help, just certain ones. But guess what? WellWell has identified seven of the best ones. Read on.
The Slate:
Kiwi
There aren’t any readily available stats on whether Australians and New Zealanders sleep better than most, but the Kiwifruit that is grown in the areas contains numerous vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E as well as potassium and folate, that works as a sleep aid. One study, in fact, found that people who ate two kiwis, one hour before bedtime, fell asleep faster, slept more and had better sleep quality than those who didn’t munch kiwis.
Banana
Bananas battle insomnia in three ways thanks to being a source of magnesium, serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is important because it helps regulate sleep, mood and appetite. Magnesium, in turn, promotes sleep by decreasing cortisol in the body, a hormone that interrupts sleep.”
Watermelon
Munching a cup of diced watermelon pieces before bedtime promotes better sleep by keeping individuals hydrated throughout the night. It also keeps late-night hunger pangs at bay. One warning: don’t overdo the watermelon because too much can foster trips to the bathroom because of its high-water content.
Fish
Fish loaded in with vitamin B6, such as salmon, tuna, cod and halibut, can make people sleep easier by helping the body make melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep.
Rice
White rice is a carbohydrate grain with a high glycemic index that eases sleep. One recent study, in fact, found that Japanese men and women who consume relatively high amounts of rice consumption enjoyed better sleep quality. Of course, too much rice can lead to a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Turkey
Ever wonder by people snooze after Thanksgiving dinner? It’s the turkey, which is high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that calms the body, balances hormones and fights anxiety, which all help induce sleep.
Honey
A teaspoon of honey before bed can restock the liver with glycogen, which helps people sleep through the night without needing food. Raw honey is even better because of its high tryptophan content, a sleep-inducing amino acid. (see Turkey).
Eyes Up:
What’s your favorite sleep aid? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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