• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Daily Vitamina

Daily Vitamina

Bilingual Health News

  • Health Conditions
  • Healthy Living
  • Food
  • Weight Loss
  • Fitness
Home / / Sweet Dreams: Foods That Promote Sleep

Sweet Dreams: Foods That Promote Sleep

A woman sleeping soundly in her bedSleep plays a critical role in looking and feeling your absolute best.

Getting a good quantity (i.e. 7-8 hours) of high quality uninterrupted sleep:

• Assists in controlling appetite and can reduce the risk of overeating
• Promotes calorie-burning muscle mass
• Allows for body repair and muscle recovery
• Improves energy
• Reduces stress
• Lowers risk to certain chronic illnesses

There are certain foods (and beverages) that promote high quality sleep. Foods that contain (or promote) tryptophan aid in the production of serotonin and melatonin. These chemicals have sleep-inducing effects. Foods containing melatonin, the chemical that regulates sleep, can also assist in getting a good night’s sleep.

To borrow a line from The Eurythmics, “Sweet Dreams are Made of These”:

• Warm Milk: contains tryptophan, which helps in the production of serotonin and melatonin. Additionally, calcium helps the brain use tryptophan to manufacture melatonin.

• Low-Fat Yogurt: Good source of sleep-inducing tryptophan and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan to manufacture melatonin.

• Banana: Solid source of tryptophan. Additionally, the carbohydrates contained in a banana helps bring tryptophan to the brain to aid in the production of serotonin.

• Dried tart cherries: Contain melatonin.

• Popcorn: The carbohydrates in popcorn helps to bring tryptophan to the brain to produce sleep-inducing serotonin. When preparing popcorn, use iodized sea salt (which promotes thyroid health) or another spice (such as turmeric). Avoid cheesy or buttery popcorn.

• Tart cherry juice: A good source of melatonin.

• Chamomile tea: Contains no caffeine and helps the body to relax. Sweeten with honey instead of sugar.

Avoid eating big meals 2-3 hours before bed. The energy required to digest a big meal can disrupt sleep. Certain beverages such as caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol can also impede a good night’s sleep. Instead, try one of the above foods or beverages as a light snack about an hour before bedtime.

Sweet dreams.

September 9, 2013 by Sloan Luckie

Read Next Article

The Latest In

Habits & Elements That Drain Our Energy

Are you satisfied with your work, or are you tired and discouraged? You may have toxic habits that drain your energy, and it's time to remove them. Habits are actions that are part of our routine. They are often actions [Read More...] about Habits & Elements That Drain Our Energy

Mitos y verdades sobre la leche. ¿Es buena o mala?

Mi prima Teresita no soporta la leche. Cuando era niña, se negaba a beberla en la mesa y ponía mala cara, lo que frustraba a sus padres. A medida que crecía, encontró formas de evitarla, optando por el agua o [Read More...] about Mitos y verdades sobre la leche. ¿Es buena o mala?

Celebrity Diets That Actually Work!

We see celebrities in photos and on video with their slender figures that never get old in Hollywood, where diets always stay in style. For example, the Atkins diet is among the many recommendations of beautiful and slim stars. Jennifer [Read More...] about Celebrity Diets That Actually Work!

5 grandes beneficios de beber agua potable

En el Día Mundial del Agua (World Water Day), debemos reflexionar sobre la importancia de este recurso vital. Sin agua, nuestro cuerpo no sería capaz de funcionar correctamente. Necesitamos agua para regular la temperatura corporal y transportar nutrientes y oxígeno a [Read More...] about 5 grandes beneficios de beber agua potable

10 Tips to Help You Get a Goodnight’s Sleep

The body and mind only repair and rejuvenate when we are sleeping. But it's important to remember that a "restful" night's sleep is vital. I believe a restful night's sleep is one in which you sleep soundly and wake up [Read More...] about 10 Tips to Help You Get a Goodnight’s Sleep

6 pasos para mantener un rostro joven y sin arrugas

Mary es una mujer guapa de 47 años que últimamente ha empezado a notar algunos signos de vejez prematura en su cara. Para prevenir las arrugas y exhibir un aire juvenil, el dermatólogo le aconsejó algunos cambios en su estilo [Read More...] about 6 pasos para mantener un rostro joven y sin arrugas

Primary Sidebar

Popular Posts

  • AHA News: Silent Heart Attacks All Too Common, and Often OverlookedAHA News: Silent Heart Attacks All Too Common, and…
  • Migraines? Get Moving: Exercise Can Help Curb AttacksMigraines? Get Moving: Exercise Can Help Curb Attacks
  • An Insider’s Guide To Cut Costs on Prescription DrugsAn Insider’s Guide To Cut Costs on Prescription Drugs
  • Bedroom Light at Night Might Boost Women's WeightBedroom Light at Night Might Boost Women’s Weight
  • Often Feel Bloated? One Ingredient May Be To BlameOften Feel Bloated? One Ingredient May Be To Blame

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.