Getting enough quality sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. You may have a lower risk of developing certain chronic illnesses, maintain healthy brain function, and experience a boost to your immune system as a result of this. Even though getting the recommended amount of sleep each night—between 7 and 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep—can be difficult for many people, this is the standard recommendation. Altering one's diet in order to take advantage of the sedative effects of certain foods and beverages is just one of the many methods available to those who wish to improve their quality of rest.
Diet and sleep are Connected
An increase in hunger might be caused by a lack of sleep and the accompanying tiredness. The truth is, of course, that way. Overeating is a common symptom of exhaustion, as is the tendency to opt for high-calorie but low-nutrient items. We produce more ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and less leptin (the fullness hormone) when we don't get enough sleep, according to the National Institutes of Health. Snoring is more likely when a person has gained weight as a result of chronic sleep loss or exhaustion.
Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of falling asleep while driving. In addition, the foods and beverages that we consume during the course of the day can have an impact on our capacity to fall asleep. Our sleep patterns can be affected by the various nutrients that are contained in the food and drink that we consume. Some foods can make you feel sleepy and ready for bed, while others have the opposite effect and can keep you awake or even wake you up in the middle of the night. What you should eat before bed to get a better night's rest:
Calcium-rich foods
Dairy products include both tryptophan and calcium, which makes them ideal for promoting sleep. melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, is made possible by calcium's role in the brain's use of the amino acid tryptophan. Dairy products, which contain tryptophan and calcium, are therefore ideal for promoting restorative sleep. Amino acid Tryptophan is found in nature.
Calcium-rich foods that include Tryptophan include:
- Some greens, including broccoli
- Nuts including almonds
- Dairy products
- Beans
Melatonin-rich foods
Melatonin is the hormone that tells your body when to get up and when to go to bed. Two hours before going to bed, melatonin levels usually start to climb.
Melatonin-rich foods include:
- Nuts and seeds include almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds.
- Fruits and vegetables include banana's, grapes, cherry's asparagus and broccoli.
- Grains or oats
Magnesium-rich food sources
High levels of worry, stress, and trouble falling asleep have been linked to low magnesium intake.
Magnesium can be found in:
- Some dark leafy greens, including spinach and kale
- Nuts and Seeds
- Some fruit including bananas and avocado's
- Fish
Vitamin B6-rich food sources
Serotonin and melatonin are two of the neurotransmitters that benefit from B6. Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, as well as poor sleep, insomnia, and depression, have been associated to vitamin B6 deficiency.
Vitamin B6 can be found in:
- Nuts and seeds including sunflower seeds, pistachio nuts and flaxseed
- Fish including tuna and salmon
- Some fruits, including banana's and avocado
- Meats including chicken, lean beef and lean pork
Tryptophan-containing foods
When serotonin levels are low and you are feeling depressed, tryptophan, an important amino acid, can help you feel better. Mood-altering chemical serotonin also regulates sleep patterns. Also, melatonin, which is crucial for promoting sleep, can be made from it.
Tryptophan-rich foods include:
- Seafood
- Dairy products including eggs, milk, low-fat yogurt and cheese
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruit including kiwifruit, apples, bananas and avocado
- Poultry
- Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and asparagus.
While there are plenty of high-protein options available, they may not be adequate on their own. However, high-protein meals might produce a reduction in serotonin levels. These foods contain tryptophan and other amino acids, which all compete for the same restricted brain space. This is why high-protein foods are bad for you. Consuming a low-fat carbohydrate can be beneficial. In reaction to the presence of carbohydrates, insulin is released, which in turn causes the absorption of amino acids but not tryptophan into the body. A rise in serotonin production can be attributed to an increase in tryptophan levels in the bloodstream.
FAQs About Eating Food At Night
Eating after dinner or late at night can result in weight gain and an increased body mass index (BMI). You may also experience indigestion or broken sleep if you eat or drink too close to bedtime. Your metabolism also slows as your body prepares for sleep, and you don't typically need additional calories.
- FRUITS AND VEGGIES. Produce is big on volume and low in calories, with veggies typically having the least amount of calories.
- WHOLE GRAINS.
- LEAN PROTEIN.
- BEANS AND LENTILS.
- NUTS AND SEEDS.
- EGGS.
- BLACK BEANS.
- SWEET POTATO.
- The following are some of the best snacks for weight loss.
- Hummus and vegetables. Hummus is a traditional Mediterranean dish that people make from pureed chickpeas. ...
- Celery sticks and nut butter. Celery is a low-calorie vegetable.
- Fruit and nut butter.
- Low-fat cheese.
- Nuts.
- Hard-boiled eggs.
- Greek yogurt with berries.
- Edamame.
There's no such thing as a set time you should eat dinner. So, for example, someone who wakes up at 5 is could be having dinner at 5 pm, while someone who goes to sleep at 1 am could be having dinner at 10 pm–none of it is inherently wrong or unhealthy, according to Farah Fahad, registered dietitian and founder of The Farah Effect.
So when exactly should you stop eating? Scientists can't agree on a single set time, but the consensus seems to be within three hours before bedtime. So if you go to bed at 11 pm, don't eat after 8 pm. Banishing late-night snacks after that time could help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux disease, too.
Foods And Drinks You Can Have Before Bed
Turkey
The turkey is both delicious and good for your health. One ounce of roasted turkey has nearly 8 grammes (g) of protein (28 grams). Protein keeps your muscles strong and your hunger in check. Protein is also good for you.
Additionally, there are only a few vitamins and minerals contained in turkey, such as riboflavin and phosphorus, in little concentrations. Additionally, a 3-ounce serving contains 56% of the daily value (DV) for selenium, making it an excellent source (DV). Tiredness is a common side effect of eating turkey because of its many properties, including the ones listed above. The amino acid tryptophan, which is abundant in this meal, helps promote the generation of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
It's probable that turkey's high protein content is responsible for making you feel drowsy. In addition, modest protein consumption before bedtime has been linked to better sleep quality, including a reduction in the number of times a person wakes up during the course of the night, according to studies. However, further studies are needed to confirm turkey's involvement in improving sleep quality.
Almonds
Tree nuts such as almonds provide numerous health benefits. The dry-roasted nuts supply 23% of an adult's daily riboflavin requirement in just one ounce (28 grammes), making them a good source of a variety of essential elements. The manganese content in one ounce provides 25 percent of a man's daily manganese needs and 31 percent of a woman's daily manganese needs.
A diet high in almond intake has been linked to a lower risk of various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to recent scientific studies. These foods contain healthful monounsaturated fats, fibre, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to their health benefits. Your cells may be protected from the possibly harmful inflammation that contributes to the development of certain chronic diseases by taking antioxidants. Eating almonds may improve one's sleep quality, according to several studies. This is because melatonin, a hormone found in almonds and other nuts, is a natural sleep inducer. Melatonin is the hormone that tells your body when it's time to wind down for the night and get ready for sleep.
Almonds are an excellent source of magnesium, providing 19 percent of the mineral's daily value in a single ounce. When taken in sufficient levels, magnesium has been demonstrated to aid in sleep quality, especially in those who struggle with insomnia. Sleep quality may be improved because of magnesium's anti-inflammatory effects. Stress hormones like cortisol, which have been linked to sleep disturbances, may also be helped by this method.
Research into the link between almonds and a good night's sleep has not been extensive.
The effects of administering 400 milligrammes (mg) of almond extract to rats were studied in one experiment. Rats were the study's test subjects. The rats slept longer and deeper than they did when they didn't take almond extract, according to the results of the study.
In contrast to when almond extract was not administered to the rats, this study found (16). Additional human research is needed to confirm if almonds help with sleep, however preliminary results suggest that they may do so. A serving size of one ounce (28 grammes), or around a handful, of almonds before going to bed should be enough to test whether it has any effect on how well you sleep. Almonds can be consumed before bedtime to see whether they improve your sleep quality.
Cherries
Increasing your intake of melatonin is the most effective strategy for getting a restful night's sleep. Cherries, along with nuts and oats, are natural sources of the hormone melatonin. Consuming these foods on a consistent basis has been shown to improve overall sleep quality. There are a few more suggestions and recommendations that can help you get a good night's sleep in addition to improving your diet, as stated by the Sleep Health Foundation.
- Caffeine should be consumed in moderation and avoided for at least four hours prior to bedtime. You may have trouble falling asleep and experience lighter sleep if you consume caffeine. It's important to keep in mind that caffeine can also be found in tea, soft drinks, and chocolate in addition to coffee.
- Your energy levels and sleep will both improve with a balanced, healthy diet. Every day, eating at the same time will keep your body clock steady.
- The time between the final major meal of the day and going to bed should be two to three hours. A small bedtime snack is acceptable. Examples include a piece of fruit or a glass of milk.
- At least four hours before going to bed, refrain from drinking.
- Avoid spicy foods in the evening because they make it harder to get a good night's sleep.
- Avoid smoking and nicotine. Since nicotine is a stimulant, it is more difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep. Smoking should be completely avoided, but at least two hours before bed.
- In addition, since they are harder for the body to digest, cheese and red meat should be avoided before bed. Tyramine, a chemical found in tomatoes that stimulates the brain and prevents sleep, should also be avoided.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews, which are rich in magnesium and zinc, are considered an ideal food choice for a good night's sleep. For example, these minerals help reduce fatigue, ease muscle tension, strengthen bones, and support metabolic and neurological system function. Minerals are also essential for many other biological functions as well.
Milk
Before we went to bed as kids, our parents always made sure to give us a warm glass of milk. This was a lifesaver for us. Dairy products contain the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in sleep. melatonin is a hormone that promotes a regular sleeping pattern. Melatonin production is aided by tryptophan, which is a precursor to this sleep-inducing amino acid.
Beans
As a source of a wide range of B vitamins, beans are particularly useful to the brain, including niacin, folic acid, and vitamin B6. Recently, it's been shown that B vitamins may also aid with stress and anxiety reduction, in addition to their long-established usage in treating sleeplessness.
Chamomile Tea
Herbal teas such as camomile are popular because of the numerous health benefits they are said to provide. The flavones it contains are well-known. Known to reduce inflammation, flavone antioxidants have been linked to a lower risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Drinking camomile tea may help your skin, ease anxiety and sadness, and boost your immune system, according to some research. Camomile tea, on the other hand, has a number of qualities that may improve the quality of sleep. Apigenin, the active ingredient in camomile tea, is a little more specific. Taking this antioxidant may help you get a better night's sleep and lessen your chances of suffering from insomnia.
A 2011 study on 34 individuals found that those who took 270 milligrammes of camomile extract twice a day for 28 days fell asleep 15 minutes faster and woke up less frequently than those who did not take the extract. Non-tea consumers' quality of sleep was much lower than that of tea drinkers who had taken two weeks of camomile tea, according to another study. Drinking camomile tea has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, which are often linked to sleep disorders. If you want to get a better night's sleep, you should definitely try drinking a cup of camomile tea before going to bed.
Kiwifruit
The high quantities of vitamins C and E, potassium, and folate in kiwifruit have been linked to improved sleep quality and even the induction of "slow wave sleep" or "deep sleep," according to some researchers. Those who ate kiwis an hour before going to bed had greater sleep quality and slept longer than those who didn't, according to one study. People who didn't eat kiwis were used as a comparison point. The antioxidant qualities of kiwifruit, as well as its potential to repair folate deficits and high serotonin concentrations, are thought to be responsible for this, say the researchers.
Figs
Figs are full of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, all of which are essential to falling asleep because they aid in the circulation of blood and the contraction of muscles. Figs are not only a delicious dessert option before bed, but they also contain additional fibre that will help you feel full longer and stave off hunger pangs that might cause you to wake up for a midnight snack.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They differ from other foods in that they contain an abnormally high amount of vitamin D. An average serving of sockeye salmon contains 570 IU of vitamin D, which is the recommended daily intake for most people. 71% of your DV is made up of this amount. The same amount of farmed rainbow trout provides 81% of your recommended daily intake. In addition, EPA and DHA, two of the healthful omega-3 fatty acids, are abundant in fatty fish, particularly sardines and mackerel (DHA). The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DPA are well-known. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and an improved state of mind.
Because both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in fatty fish have been shown to increase serotonin production, the combination of the two has the potential to improve the quality of sleep that one experiences. One study found that men who consumed 10.5 ounces (300 grammes) of Atlantic salmon three times a week for six months fell asleep about ten minutes earlier than men who consumed chicken, beef, or pork. This difference was statistically significant. It was previously believed that vitamin D was the cause of this effect. People who ate fish regularly had significantly higher levels of vitamin D, which was linked to a marked improvement in the quality of their sleep. It's possible that if you eat a few ounces of fatty fish before bed, you'll find it easier to fall asleep and sleep more soundly. To arrive at a conclusive finding regarding the capacity of fatty fish to enhance sleep quality, additional research is required.
Yoghurt
A good source of calcium, calcium aids in the synthesis of the sleep-inducing chemicals tryptophan and melatonin, which can be found in milk and yoghurt. A small bowl of flavoured yoghurt with oats, healthy grains, or fruit on top can be just the thing to tide you over until bedtime if you're feeling peckish after dinner.
Salmon
Because omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D play a role in the body's ability to regulate serotonin, the eating of fatty fish such as salmon may be beneficial for sleep. A few studies have shown that those who eat salmon three times a week or more had better daily functioning and better sleep quality.
Conclusion:
Getting a sufficient amount of sleep every night is very important for one's health. A few different kinds of food and beverages might be helpful. This is due to the fact that they contain chemicals and hormones in the brain that help regulate sleep, such as melatonin and serotonin. In addition, there are certain foods and beverages that contain high quantities of particular antioxidants and nutrients, such as magnesium and melatonin, that are known to improve sleep quality by assisting individuals in falling asleep more quickly or remaining asleep for longer periods of time.
Consuming sleep-inducing foods and beverages two to three hours before going to bed is probably the best way to make the most of their effects. Consuming food right before going to bed increases the risk of developing digestive problems, such as acid reflux. In general, additional research is required before coming to a definitive conclusion regarding the specific role that foods and drinks have in promoting sleep, but the effects that are already known are very promising.
Content Summary
- However, high-protein meals might produce a reduction in serotonin levels.
- This is why high-protein foods are bad for you.
- Consuming a low-fat carbohydrate can be beneficial.
- The turkey is both delicious and good for your health.
- One ounce of roasted turkey has nearly 8 grammes (g) of protein (28 grams).
- Protein is also good for you.
- It's probable that turkey's high protein content is responsible for making you feel drowsy.
- However, further studies are needed to confirm turkey's involvement in improving sleep quality.
- Almonds Tree nuts such as almonds provide numerous health benefits.
- Eating almonds may improve one's sleep quality, according to several studies.
- Almonds can be consumed before bedtime to see whether they improve your sleep quality.
- Cherries Increasing your intake of melatonin is the most effective strategy for getting a restful night's sleep.
- Camomile tea, on the other hand, has a number of qualities that may improve the quality of sleep.
- If you want to get a better night's sleep, you should definitely try drinking a cup of camomile tea before going to bed.
- Because both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in fatty fish have been shown to increase serotonin production, the combination of the two has the potential to improve the quality of sleep that one experiences.
- It's possible that if you eat a few ounces of fatty fish before bed, you'll find it easier to fall asleep and sleep more soundly.
- Because omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D play a role in the body's ability to regulate serotonin, the eating of fatty fish such as salmon may be beneficial for sleep.
- Getting a sufficient amount of sleep every night is very important for one's health.
- A few different kinds of food and beverages might be helpful.
- Consuming sleep-inducing foods and beverages two to three hours before going to bed is probably the best way to make the most of their effects.