Can Foods Promote Good Sleep? Which Foods Help?

Fact:  Sugary foods cause energy levels to crash and burn. Sugary foods bring on insomnia.

Good foods promote good sleep

Everyone knows how kids react after eating foods high in sugar. They’re hyper, loud and quite often difficult to put to sleep. This is because when sudden, drastic changes in energy levels occur, insomnia is induced. You are left feeling tired, sluggish and unprepared for the new day. This raises the question,  “If foods can induce insomnia, can foods promote good sleep, too? If so, which foods actually help your quality of sleep?”

If you eat foods containing these four essentials, you will promote good sleep:

• Melatonin
• Iron
• Tryptophan
• Magnesium

Melatonin – Melatonin is a hormone provided by the body. It is often taken in supplemental form by those dealing with jet lag or changing work hours. Melatonin is also found in foods such as barley-based beer, almonds, walnuts, tomatoes and red wine.

Iron –Do you suffer from restless leg syndrome (characterized by restlessness and insomnia)? This may be caused in part by iron deficiencies. Foods containing iron include chicken liver, oysters, beef liver, turkey, beans, spinach, raisins, lentils and oatmeal.

Tryptophan – Ever wonder why after a delicious Thanksgiving Day meal you feel so sleepy? It’s not because you’re hosting a lot of people for a lot of dinner (well, maybe). It’s because you ate turkey. Turkey, eggs, nuts, milk, peanut butter, sesame seeds, soy and pumpkin seeds all contain tryptophan, an acid essential for the body. An increase in tryptophan equals an increase in melatonin.

Magnesium – Magnesium supplementation improves insomnia. It also increases sleep time and early-morning waking in older adults. Foods that contain magnesium include almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, cereal, black beans and soy milk.

If you’re struggling with insomnia, eat foods that promote good sleep and schedule an appointment with us here at Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois. Call (630) 369-5508. We are passionate about helping you sleep well.

I  wish you success on your journey to better sleep!