Do you have trouble falling asleep? Say goodbye to sleeping pills and adopt a more nutritious and healthy diet instead. A healthy diet not only provides us the energy to get through the day, but also affects our sleep.
Hindustan Times lists seven foods you should incorporate in your diet which will help you sleep better:
1. Fish
Fish contains Vitamin B6. It is essential in the creation of melatonin and serotonin which help control your sleep cycles. Eating fish such as salmon and tuna help increase their levels.
2. Honey
Honey contains an ideal ratio of fructose and glucose, sugars that are required to support the liver, as it works non-stop during sleep. The glucose tells the brain to stop producing the chemical orexin — which is known to trigger alertness.
3. Tart cherries
They are one of the few ¬natural sources of melatonin. A combination of melatonin and anthocyanin in tart cherries not only induces sleep but also improves your sleep quality.
4. Chamomile tea
It is a natural sleep aid. Chamomile tea contains theanine, which relaxes the body and induces sleep, says Khurana.
5. Banana
Eating bananas can also help you sleep like a baby as they are rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. These nutrients together act as muscle relaxers, says nutritionist Shilpa Mittal. They are also known to cure restless leg syndrome and are also effective in treating insomnia.
6. Fruity cereals
Whole grain cereals contain the right amount of proteins and carbohydrates that contain tryptophan. Tryptophan is a natural ¬sedative and induces sleepiness. Opt for whole grain cereals before bedtime to have a good sleep.
7. Walnuts andalmonds
Light on the stomach, walnuts and Almonds helps you sleep faster, says Gandhi.
They are rich in proteins, which contain theanine and serotonin.
