Food

Best foods to consume before going to bed

01/7Foods that help induce sleep

Find it difficult to sleep at night and as a result, your whole sleep cycle is messed up? Sleep deprivation is a common problem that a number of people deal with. Stress, poor sleep hygiene and lifestyle choices are usually the reasons behind it. Getting the sleep cycle back on track is a tedious task to do, so instead people resort to sleeping pills that chemically induce sleep. Popping pills for sleep is not the best idea, as it has a number of side effects. If you too suffer from insomnia, then here are some food items you can have before bed to improve your sleeping pattern.

02/7​Poppy seeds milk

Poppy seeds drink is super effective for people who find it difficult to sleep at night. This drink is made with poppy seeds and warm milk, a perfect combination for people suffering from sleep deprivation. Warm milk before sleep is said to be good for your gut and poppy seeds have a calming effect on your body. The drink helps in bringing down stress levels and induces a deep slumber. Just drink it 30-40 minutes before bedtime regularly and see the difference it makes.

03/7​Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has gained popularity as a bedtime drink and for all the right reasons. It soothes your anxiety and helps in sleeping better. It contains apigenin, a type of antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain which can promote sleepiness. Avoid drinking green tea or milk tea before going to bed and instead switch to this herbal tea.

04/7​Cereal

Cereal might be your favourite choice for breakfast, but having it at night can significantly improve your sleeping pattern. You can have cereal in warm milk for dinner, at least 1-2 hours before bedtime. It is a complex carbohydrate-rich food that helps in releasing tryptophan in the bloodstream, which further induces sleep.

05/7​Almonds

Apart from being a good source of magnesium which is a muscle relaxant, almonds are a source of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates your body clock and signals your body to prepare for sleep which can help in improving your sleep cycle. Almonds also contain tryptophan which is a natural sleep inducer.

06/7​Sweet potato

Just like bananas, sweet potatoes too are an amazing source of potassium, magnesium and calcium. These essential nutrients help you to relax which can promote sleepiness. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of complex carbohydrates that too helps in reversing insomnia. You can have sweet potatoes for dinner by baking, steaming and by making a number of delicious recipes with it.

07/7​Banana

Banana contains potassium and magnesium that acts as a muscle relaxant. That’s why it is often said to eat a banana whenever you are stressed or anxious. Vitamin B6 in bananas increases your body’s melatonin levels which further helps in inducing sleep. This fruit is a good source of carb which too is said to be good for sleep.