Natural Food Remedies For Sleep

Sometimes sleep is elusive.

A good night's sleep makes us healthier and improves our outlook on the world. But sometimes the stress of daily life makes it hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. If you are having slumber problems, pills do not have to be the first choice. Instead, try to incorporate natural foods into your daily routine.

Carbohydrates

Crackers can help you drift off.

Eating starchy, carbohydrate-rich foods before bedtime may help you fall asleep faster. Foods like whole-wheat crackers, pasta, rice and oatmeal are high in carbohydrates and they break down quickly in digestion. The amount of tryptophan, a calming amino acid, increases. With more tryptophan in your bloodstream and brain, you begin to feel sleepy.

Dairy

Use dairy to get to sleep.

One of the easiest ways to invite sleep is drinking a cup of warm milk. Settling the stomach and calming the mind, milk also provides calcium and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Plus, it provides tryptophan. Other products such as yogurt, cottage cheese and cheese encourage drowsiness. If you're suffering from insomnia, try eating a dairy snack an hour before you plan to sleep, allowing it to digest and tryptophan to be released.

Chamomile

Drink chamomile tea to relax.

Chamomile is used in many cultures to relax the mind. It is used to ease headaches, relieve stress and calm the body. If you're having trouble sleeping, use chamomile in your bedtime routine. The easiest way is to brew it in hot tea. Chamomile tea is on the shelves at most grocery stores. If it seems bitter, add honey rather than sugar, which may cause wakefulness.

Nuts

A few nuts can help you sleep.

Nuts are loaded with magnesium, a powerful muscle relaxant. Hazelnuts and peanuts are high in protein, and all nuts contain tryptophan. Make a snack about an hour before bedtime to relax your body and mind. It can be only a handful of almonds, yogurt sprinkled with walnuts or peanut butter on toast. Don't overeat. Nuts are easy to indulge in, but along with their nutrients they pack substantial fat and oil. Keep your almond count to 12, and eat only one piece of toast at night.

Whole Grains

Bananas can help you sleep.

Cereal, milk and banana might start your day, but they can make an excellent nighttime treat, also. Select a cereal without refined grains and as little sugar as possible. Sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and trigger stress hormones. Bananas are loaded with potassium, vitamin B-6 and tryptophan.

Eating healthy and soothing foods can ease you into sleep.

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