Life
Most advice for better sleep habits relies on some pretty serious self-discipline. Changing your habits and going to bed at the same time every night or avoiding any caffeine after noon, can start to feel like serious work. But here’s some uplifting news: you can actually snack your way to better sleep. Sure, there are some foods and drinks that interfere with sleep (grande latte, I’m looking at you), but there are also some great things to eat for a better night’s sleep.
You can choose a bedtime snack that works in your favor. And because things like added sugar would be a bad idea when you’re trying to get some shut-eye, most of these snacks are wildly healthy to boot. Fresh fruits and veggies feature prominently, as well as a few good carbs.
A late-night snack doesn’t have to be a vice — it can become a healthy part of your bedtime routine. And if you’re a snack addict like me, these after-dinner treats are pretty much inevitable anyway, so you might as well choose foods that work in your favor. Here are your best bets for foods that will help you sleep more soundly. It’s the most delicious way ever to maintain good sleep habits.
1
Apples
Going to bed satiated, but not overly full, is the best way to promote sleep. If you're feeling a bit munchy after dinner, Harvard Health Publications recommends a small snack such as an apple with a cheese slice to tide you over till morning.
2
Bananas
According to the Daily Mail, bananas are a great sleepy time snack because they contain the muscle relaxants magnesium and potassium. Perfect for a way to unwind an make your body feel good.
3
Cereal
Doesn't cereal taste best late at night? It's also a great thing to munch on because, as the Huffington Post notes, whole-grain cereal and milk contains complex carbs that can help promote serotonin, and therefore sleep).
4
Cherries
Have you ever checked out the sleep aid medications in a drugstore? Many contain melatonin, a natural hormone that helps you feel more tired at night. And as Greatist reports that cherries are a natural source of melatonin, so munching on a handful of cherries is a great way to end your evening.
5
Graham Crackers
Today recommends graham crackers as a great evening food because they are low in fat, calories, and sugar. Pair them with a nice cup of warm milk for the ultimate power-down snack.
6
Jasmine Rice
Fragrant and delicious jasmine rice is great at any time, but Fitness Magazine recommends it as an evening meal. Because it is high on the glycemic index, jasmine rice helps your body increase its production of tryptophan, which promotes sleep.
7
Leafy Greens
It turns out your favorite greens might make a great bedtime mini-meal. As MSN notes, kale is a good source of calcium, which may help your brain process the sleep-inducers tryptophan and melatonin. And lettuce contains lactucarium, which is a natural sleep aid.
8
Popcorn
As Shape notes, a small and carb-rich snack can help you drop off to sleep. Air-popped popcorn is a great candidate, and it's a perfect companion for any late-night Netflixing.
9
Toast
Buzzfeed seconds the carbs-at-night advice and recommends a slice or two of toast. Just avoid any super sugary spreads, and you'll nod off in no time.
Images: Karen Booth, Nick Saltmarsh, Ali Mir, musicfanatic29, chumsdock, Windell Oskay, Brian Yap, Suzie's Farm, Hey Paul, Brighton Guy / Flickr
