What to Eat and Drink for a Better Night’s Sleep

Food that are high in calcium, like cheese, can help you sleep.

Craving more zzzz’s? Some of the things you eat and drink can help you get more rest, others can work against you.

What You Eat

Green Light

• Going to bed hungry is a big no-no for relaxation; have a light snack to help you unwind.
• Both calcium and carbohydrate-rich foods promote the effects of tryptophan, a  sleep-promoting amino acid. Top picks for sleep are apples with peanut butter, cheese and crackers or cereal and milk.
• Magnesium is another mineral that aids with sleep – get some from nuts, seeds, bananas, beans, whole grains and avocado.

 

Red Light

• Anything overly spicy, heavy or greasy wreaks havoc on your digestive system. Unless you’re comfy sleeping while sitting up, pass on these before bedtime.
• Sorry choco-holics, the caffeine in chocolate may stand in the way of you and a good night’s sleep.

What You Drink

Green Light

• Mom was right – the calcium in milk is good for your bones and for sleep. Hot chocolate, cow’s milk or calcium fortified soy or almond milk are good options.

Red Light

• The stimulating effects of caffeinated beverages can linger for hours. Moderate your consumption of black, white and green teas and coffee (even decaf). Cut yourself off 6 hours before bed.
•  Too much of any liquid disrupts sleep with trips to the bathroom.
• Alcohol may help you doze off but leads to a less restful sleep – go light on the booze for a better night’s rest.

Tell Us: What foods and drinks disrupt your sleep?