Eating before you sleep can be beneficial according to one expert – and you might be surprised by the recommended food that will induce sleepiness and relaxation
You’ve probably heard that eating before you sleep can harm the quality of your sleep – but that’s not entirely true according to one expert.
However, it does depend on what you eat according to the experts at Bed Kingdom. As some indulgent foods could promote the production of serotonin, a chemical that is linked to feeling relaxed and settled.
Bed Kingdom has revealed the perfect treat if you are chasing those quality hours of sleep and it’s good news for those with a sweet tootht as they claim that eating chocolate before heading to bed can be exactly what you need to help you relax, as reported by The Express.
The expert says chocolate is loaded with “the perfect nutrients” to help with a good nights rest. They explained: “Eating dark chocolate in moderation at least an hour before bed can result in a more productive night’s sleep.”
He said the nutrients and benefits of dark chocolate included the production of serotonin, a chemical which can help you relax. Having some dark chocolate before bed can therefore help you reduce stress levels. To maximise the sleep benefits of eating dark chocolate the expert says the snack should be paired with a slumber-enhancing food like bananas and almonds. If you are in a pinch, peanut butter will also do the trick.
Bed said: “Consuming peanut butter as part of a late night, healthy snack can enhance your quality of sleep, as well as stabilise your blood sugar levels and support muscle growth.”
Adding that these foods were filled with nutrients like heart-healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, with peanut butter even containing a sleepy-inducing chemical called tryptophan which helps put the body in a chill-out state. The expert said that other nuts like walnuts, cashews and almonds can also help with maintaining a healthy sleeping cycle as they increase the mixture of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc.
If you aren’t a sweet person and want a savoury snack before bed, despite the myth that cheese-induced nightmares, reaching for string cheese could improve the quality of your sleep as it’s packed with proteins that will help satiate your hunger throughout the night. Cheese is also easily digestible so it won’t cause any digestive issues throughout the night, whilst also containing tryptophan which will once again help you achieve a better quality of sleep.
Another tryptophan food before bed which is rich in carbohydrates is popcorn, it also supports the creation of feel-good chemical serotonin in the body which is important for good sleep.
Have you got a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at [email protected].
