What you eat and drink has a big impact on your overall health, so it should come as no surprise that your diet affects your sleep. After all, both are an essential part of life. Some dietary habits make it harder to fall asleep, but others may actually be able to help you fall asleep and stay that way until morning.
Related Blog: Best and Worst Foods to Eat in the Evening to Sleep Better
In general, a light meal will help you sleep better than a heavier one. More specifically, these are foods and drinks to either enjoy or avoid, particularly if you’re already having trouble getting a good night’s sleep:
What to eat or drink
- Turkey or milk
These foods are high in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce more serotonin, which promotes sleep.
- Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice or pasta, help tryptophan enter your brain.
- Bananas
Bananas have lots of potassium and magnesium, which help relax your muscles.
What to avoid
- Foods high in refined sugar
Foods like candy, cake, cookies, and other sweets are high in refined sugar. They can cause indigestion and an increase in blood glucose and insulin, which can interfere with the hormones that help promote sleep
- Fatty foods
Foods like chips and fried chicken can cause heartburn - Spicy food
These can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and other issues that can wake you up. - Liquids
If you drink water or other liquids within about 90 minutes of bedtime, you’re more likely to wake up because you need to use the restroom. - Alcohol
You may think alcohol makes you sleepy, but it can cause your sleep to be less restful, and you may also wake up in the middle of the night. - Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant present in regular coffee and many soft drinks. The effects of it vary from person to person, so it can interfere with your sleep even if you drink it in the late afternoon.
Diet affects your sleep, but a comfortable, quality mattress is always an essential part of getting a good night’s rest. Visit one of Land of Sleep’s locations in Sarasota or Venice today to select the mattress that's right for you. We offer same day delivery, so you could enjoy a better night's sleep tonight!
