5 Foods That Can Help You Sleep Better!

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Posted by Mansi


Do you suffer from insomnia? Or are you one of the 75% of the people who find it hard to sleep at night, simply because you worry too much, or take a lot of stress in life? Well, fret not, for rather than taking sleeping-pills, here are a few foods that can keep you calm and satiated, and help you sleep better by stimulating sleep-inducing hormones like Serotonin and Melatonin. Sleep brings more energy into people and can make us think clear and in a more positive way. Nothing can replace those 7-8 hours of sleep; but when you've just had a bad day, preparing slides for an early presentation tomorrow morning, or lack of sleep thinking about your move to a new town, there are some foods that can act as sleep-inducers and help you rest better!

Bananas
Bananas contain melatonin and serotonin which are practically some of the best sleep stimulating substances (such substances are frequently used in pharmaceutical industry). In addition, bananas contain magnesium which has a relaxing effect on muscles.

Warm Milk
There is definitely some significance to why our moms and granny's asked us to drink a cup of warm milk before going to bed! The explanation for this would be that milk contains tryptophane, which is an amino acid that has a sedative effect. Moreover, calcium contained by milk also helps the absorption of tryptophane.

Chamomile Tea
Trust the traditional herbs to soothe and calm your senses! Chamomile, one of the oldest garden herbs, has been known for its relaxing effect. Chamomile tea is generally known for its sedating effect, as well as a nerve-relaxant, serving to be the perfect natural antidote for stressed minds and bodies.

Potatoes
With all that starch in it, I have no doubt Potatoes would induce sleep! but jokes apart. they can help get rid of acids which can interfere with tryptophan amino acid. Baked potatoes can have an even greater sleep inducing effect if they are combined with warm milk when eaten. Aah, I wish they had a little fewer calories too!

Oatmeal
Oats are good for a good night’s sleep because they stimulate the production of melatonin. Also, with their high fiber content, they fill you up fast, triggering messages to your brain that you are satiated, hence serving to be relaxants and sleep-inducers at the same time!

There's nothing like a good night's sleep, and you should never deprive yourself of at least 6-8 hours sleep at night. but there are times when life gets really hectic (pretty much everyday!!), and its hard to force your mind to sleep! So try these natural sleep-inducers; they'll silently do their work and do what you failed to do - ask your mind and body to sleep tonight, so you can be fresh and energetic to meet a new tomorrow!

Related Articles:
Daily Habits for a Better Lifestyle
Why Avocados are Good for You!
Health Benefits of Wheat Grass Juice


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This Post was written by Mansi from Fun & Food


7 comments:

Bottle gourd, poppy seeds, nutmeg and sometimes cardamom. These are also very good for treating insomnia. That is one good informative post. Thanks.

Mythreyee said...
September 3, 2008 at 8:12:00 PM GMT+2  

thanks mythreyee! yes, I've heard about poppy-seeds too, except that when taken even a little more than needed, it has opium-like effects!:)D

never knew about bottle-gourd!

Mansi said...
September 3, 2008 at 10:46:00 PM GMT+2  

What an informative article! I knew about the warm milk..but potatoes are somewhat of a surprise....Chamomile tea...ah yes, a perfect one to relax with!
thanks Mansi.

cheers, Trupti
The Spice Who loved Me

TNL said...
September 3, 2008 at 10:52:00 PM GMT+2  

lovely lovely article. when i or soeren have trouble relaxing or sleeping i find rubbing the back and chest with lavender oil helps to bring us down and sleep better. the oil can also be used to inhale. a few drops in water over an oil lamp helps too.

Meeta K. Wolff said...
September 4, 2008 at 9:51:00 AM GMT+2  

Great post! I'm going right now to make some oatmeal and have it with warm milk - I sure hope it does the job :)

giz said...
September 6, 2008 at 7:15:00 AM GMT+2  

Lydia, thanks so much for this article. I am jetlagging now as I just came back from Malaysia. It's 2:50 am PST now. :-|

Rasa Malaysia said...
September 9, 2008 at 11:50:00 AM GMT+2  

This is a great article and a great post - definitely very helpful to women who are seeking information in fighting insomnia or sleeping disorders. Definitely informative!

I would also like to suggest this site: Olga's Relief. You might find some valuable information regarding Woman's health and Issues. Cheers!

Anonymous said...
September 10, 2008 at 5:03:00 PM GMT+2  

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