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However, if youre hungry, youre hungry!
Healthy nighttime snacks to help you sleep
1.
So, this snack is good for sleep, but is it healthy?
These healthy fats are essential in our diet.
Prebiotic fiber is needed to feed a healthy microbiome.
are a good source of phytonutrients, melatonin, and tryptophan.
These nutrients have been shown to be important for quality sleep.
A glass of cows milk
Theres a reason warm milk is a popular pre-bed snack.
She suggests opting for a simple glass of milk.
“Milk, like other dairy products, contains tryptophan which does help us get to sleep.
And for good reason, because the science holds up.
Dr Patel explains; cherries can help your sleep as they contain high amounts of melatonin.
Tart cherries are more effective than sweeter ones as they have a small amount of both melatonin and tryptophan.
Not only can they help you to fall asleep, but they also encourage you tosleep for longer.
Dr Patel adds that almonds are rich in magnesium, which promotes both relaxation and sleep.
Magnesium also helps to regulate melatonin, which guides the sleep-wake cycle in our bodies.
On a physical level, it helps our muscles relax and regulates muscle contractions.”
Celery sticks and dip
Vegetables dont have to be boring.
Shelley suggests pairing vegetables with a protein dip for a nutrient dense night-time snack option.
peanut butter with one tbsp.
vanilla Greek yogurt) or dipping carrots and broccoli in cottage cheese.
What foods and drinks should we avoid for a good nights sleep?
This is especially true for dark chocolate as it contains more caffeine than milk chocolate, says Dr Patel.
I recommend avoiding caffeine for at least two hours before going to bed.
In general, foods high in sugar should be given a miss.
This fluctuation can disrupt your sleep and make you feel more restless.
Spicy foods
Curries and other foods with high spice levels are another poor choice for a late night snack.
Another drink to avoid is anything with caffeine (including tea.)
Dont consume any caffeine after midday.
