The meal you eat before bed is just as important as any of the other meals you consume daily. If you are careful with what you eat before bedtime, you will find that you are able to sleep much better as a result. As a matter of fact, you might be able to even cure your insomnia by eating the proper foods before going to bed. Of course, opinions vary when it comes to when exactly to eat before going to bed. Whether you choose two hours, fifteen minutes or any other time, the decisive factor should be your personal preference so don’t be afraid to experiment.
What to eat
Whole grains with protein are ideal before bed. Whole grains have carbohydrates that will increase the serotonin in your brain. However, avoid eating too much protein before bedtime. Protein-rich foods also contain tyrosine, an amino acid that stimulates brain activity.
Dairy foods are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that your body converts to melatonin and serotonin — both of which are thought to induce sleep. Other tryptophan-containing foods include oats, bananas, poultry and peanuts, so experiment with those too.
Some examples of foods that help you sleep:
- A small bowl of oatmeal or cereal with low-fat milk
- Yogurt with granola sprinkled on top
- Half bagel or crackers with peanut butter, 1 ounce of cheese or a slice of deli turkey on top
- Hummus on a whole-wheat pita or a rice cake topped with tomato and a slice of turkey breast
- Sliced apple with 1 ounce of cheese
If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep that occurs on a regular or frequent basis, consult a doctor to determine the cause and how it might be treated.
Note: There have been no scientfic studies showing that eating before bed will cause weight gain. Be smart and don’t overeat though, it’s supposed to be a snack.
photo by: terri_tu
Pingback: watchmen