Having Difficulty Falling Asleep? These Foods Will Give You a Good Night’s Rest!
Insomnia can rob you of your energy. Try including these foods in your diet to get sound sleep naturally!
Are you one of those people who go to bed at midnight, only to stay awake, unable to sleep? Well, don’t reach for the pill bottle yet, as certain natural foods can help you out!
Vasundhara Agrawal is a Bengaluru-based diet and lifestyle expert, and an independent food consultant, who wishes to take the confusion out of healthy eating.
Vasundhara has worked with hospitals like Fortis and Max Healthcare is a life member of the Indian Dietetic Association and a UGC-NET qualified lecturer. She works with people and groups around the world, guiding them in the right dietary direction and help them move towards a more healthy lifestyle.
We, at The Better India, asked Vasundhara about foods that might work as natural sleep aids to battle insomnia. Before we dive into that list, it is good to know that each of these foods is rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid, that our bodies convert into melatonin and serotonin to help up sleep better.
Tryptophan is the same amino acid which helps in muscle building, and according to Vasundhara, it does not occur naturally in the human body, which is why we must rely on supplements and whole foods. Please note that if you depend on supplements for amino acids, you need to watch your consumption.
But for those who do not wish to take supplements, here are five foods that will help you beat insomnia.
1. Milk
Yes, this age-old remedy is actually true. Milk promotes better sleep since it contains generous amounts of tryptophan. There is no particular fixed time you should drink milk. Warm up the milk and drink the glass before bedtime, to ensure a sound sleep and a good bowel movement, says Vasundhara. She adds that certain people might not be able to digest milk on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. For them, night time consumption is preferable.
2. Cheese
Cheese is excellent for health, and can contribute to a good night’s sleep, says Vasundhara, adding that the critical point to note is not to overdo consumption. Cheese also happens to be an excellent source of calcium, which is also known to release serotonin. So if you are having trouble sleeping, include more cheese in your diet, and increase natural serotonin production for battling insomnia!
3.Fish
Fish is an excellent source of protein, and thus a great source of tryptophan, says Vasundhara, adding that including at least one fish-based meal in a day would help your erratic sleep pattern. Fish also happens to be an excellent source of Omega-3, and other essential vitamins and minerals, so do ensure you consume fish regularly, to facilitate a healthy sleep cycle.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Both these food items are a healthy source of protein, says Vasundhara, and consuming a handful of nuts, seeds or both, every day will do wonders for your health, in all areas including sleep. They are easy to digest and are loaded with nutrients, which makes them the numero uno choice for those in search of a healthy lifestyle.
You may also like: How Much Milk is Too Much: A Nutritionist Debunks Myths We All Have!
5. Eggs
The simple egg, with its nutrient content, is the foundation for those looking to build muscle. Well, due to their high protein content, eggs are also rich in tryptophan and Vasundhara recommends including eggs in your diet if you are having trouble sleeping.
Rounding off, Vasundhara advised that foods containing tryptophan must be included in our diet in an evenly spaced out manner.
So, ditch the sleeping pills, and get yourself a glass of warm milk, or a cheese sandwich, to get sound sleep!
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
This story made me
-
97 -
121 -
89 -
167
Tell Us More
If you found our story insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.
Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-
By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.
Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?
Home
Read
Watch
Contribute
