Forget it when your mom told you to sleep better at night to warm a cup of milk. When the pressure is on to try and catch some Zzz’s chow down on these foods prior to bedtime to get some serious shut-eye. The following foods are selected because they have been shown to induce feel good relaxing chemicals throughout your body allowing you to calm your nerves and settle down for a good night’s rest.
1. Nonfat Popcorn – Throw a bag into the microwave a good 30-45 minutes prior to bedtime. The carbs will help induce your body into creating serotonin, the neurochemical that gives your body a relaxed feeling.
2. Oatmeal with slices of Banana –Sleep is inspired by the hormone melatonin, but stress, eagerness and excitement can disrupt the release of melatonin reducing your chances of getting good nights sleep. To prevent this make a small bowl of oatmeal with slices of banana to top it off which is rich in melatonin.
3. Yogurt and Nuts – Yogurt is a great source of Lysine, an amino acid that helps relieve the feeling of anxiousness. Nuts contain Arginine, yet another amino acid that calms nerves. Both contain alertness inducing protein, therefore if you snack on ½ – 1 cup of yogurt with 1 or 2 tbsp. of nuts prior to bed, it will help reduce the residual stress, anxiousness and anxiety many of us face that prevents us from sleeping.
4. Sesame Seeds – These seeds are one of the best sources of natural tryptophan, the sleep inducing amino acid responsible for post-Thanksgiving comas.
5. Pretzels – Grab a handful! Pretzels are low-calorie, low-fat source of carbs, which will help you fall asleep faster.
6. Wine – You read it correctly. A single glass of wine, known to many as a “night cap” has coined this nickname for a reason. Wine does really help “take the edge off” if you know what we mean. Researchers have discovered that wine as well as any other single glass of an alcoholic drink caused people’s blood vessels to relax. Relaxed blood vessels means lower blood pressure, slower heart rate and greater ability to relax and mellow out.
7. Unsweetened Cherry Juice – Cherry juice has serotonin inducing carbs, which help us begin to relax and sleep better. Drink a glass of juice about an hour before bed to avoid feeling a jolt of energy due to the small amount of sugar.
8. Red Bell Peppers – Vitamin C has been shown to stop the secretion of cortisol, the hormone released into the body when we are stressed, making it harder for us to relax. Red bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable.
Get to snacking and enjoy a full night of enjoyable sleep!
The Team at i-Supplements.com
Find natural sleep aids to get a full nights sleep at www.i-Supplements.com