10 Foods & Drinks To Help You Sleep Better

This article has been researched and written by Arelang Naturals^® in-house writers.

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being, yet it's often elusive in today's fast-paced world. The quest for a good night's sleep has led many to explore various remedies, including lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and supplementations.

One often overlooked aspect of improving sleep quality is our diet. The foods and drinks we consume can significantly influence our sleep patterns.

Let's delve into 10 foods and drinks that help promote better sleep.

1. Cherries: Nature's Sleep Aid: Black Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Research suggests that consuming tart cherry juice can enhance sleep duration and quality. Melatonin-rich cherries can help increase melatonin levels in the body, potentially leading to improved sleep patterns.

2. Warm Milk: Grandma's Remedy Warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in the production of serotonin, a precursor to melatonin. The comforting warmth of milk can also have a calming effect on the body, making it an age-old and effective sleep aid.

3. Bananas: A Potassium-Packed Slumber Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which are muscle relaxants. Magnesium, in particular, can help alleviate muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome, allowing you to settle into a more peaceful sleep. Additionally, the vitamin B6 found in bananas contributes to the production of melatonin.

4. Oats: The Carb Connection Oats are a complex carbohydrate that triggers a gradual release of insulin. This release is associated with an increase in tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin and melatonin. A warm bowl of oatmeal before bed not only provides comfort but can also support the body's natural sleep-inducing processes.

5. Herbal Teas: Nature's Tranquilizers Chamomile, valerian root, and lavender are some of the herbal teas known for their calming properties. Chamomile, in particular, contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and drowsiness. Sipping on a cup of adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha can also be a soothing bedtime ritual.

6. Turkey: Thanksgiving Zzz's Turkey, like milk, contains tryptophan. This amino acid is a precursor to both serotonin and melatonin, contributing to feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. While the tryptophan content in turkey isn't enough to single-handedly induce sleep, incorporating it into an evening meal can be a part of a sleep-supportive diet.

7. Fatty Fish: Omega-3s for Restful Nights Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats have been linked to improved sleep quality by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of serotonin. Omega-3s also play a role in regulating the body's internal clock.

8. Nuts and Seeds: Midnight Munchies for Sleep Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are all good sources of magnesium, a mineral that can relax muscles and encourage calmness. Furthermore, they contain tryptophan and healthy fats that work together to support restful sleep when consumed in moderation.

9. Dark Leafy Greens: Magnesium-Rich Slumber Vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent sources of magnesium. As mentioned earlier, magnesium's muscle-relaxing properties can help ease tension and prepare the body for sleep. Incorporating these greens into your dinner or evening snacks can contribute to a more peaceful slumber. An even better addition to your daily diet is Replenish With Greens, gummies with natural plant-based extracts from greens that give your body essential nutrients to help replenish what your body lacks and eventually also sleep better.

10. Restore Your Sleep Dark Chocolates: Imagine chocolate right before bedtime. Sounds like the best decision! Pills, powders, and medicines may work for a short time, but your body needs food to help its natural melatonin pumping. While pills and meds will induce sleep they will make your body dependent on synthetic melatonin and eventually, the body will forget how to make its own. Restore Your Sleep uses tryptophans from walnuts to induce natural melatonin production to help you get a restful night's sleep. All in the form of a delicious dark chocolate bite with the most potent plant-based extracts in the right quantity and quality.

As the connection between diet and sleep becomes increasingly clear, adopting a sleep-supportive diet can be a valuable strategy for improving overall sleep quality. Incorporating foods and drinks that contain melatonin precursors, muscle relaxants, and mood-stabilizing nutrients can help regulate sleep-wake cycles and contribute to a more restful slumber. While individual responses to these foods may vary, the cumulative effects of making healthier choices can lead to more refreshing nights and more productive days ahead. Remember, creating a bedtime routine that includes these sleep-enhancing foods and drinks can contribute to a holistic approach to sleep improvement.