The Best and Worst Foods for Sleep!

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There are many things that can impact your sleep - stress, illness, and anxiety to name a few. However, did you know that the foods you eat can also keep you awake at night? Check out these lists for the best and worst foods for sleep!


Best Foods for Sleep:

Cherries are one of the few foods that naturally contain melatonin, which is the chemical that helps control our internal clock.

Bananas, dark leafy greens, and avocados contain natural muscle relaxants (magnesium) and contain carbohydrates which will naturally make you feel sleepy.

 Turkey, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan - a chemical that naturally makes you feel sleepy

Sweet potatoes contain sleep promoting complex carbohydrates as well as potassium (a natural muscle relaxant).

Whole grain breads, crackers, pasta, or rice contain complex carbohydrates which keep you full for longer.

Worst Foods for Sleep:

 Cheeseburgers and other fatty foods stimulate the production of acid in your stomach, which won't feel very good when you're trying to sleep!

Coffee contains caffeine and can increase anxiety and make you feel jittery when you're trying to go to sleep.

 Soda contains a lot of sugar and often caffeine which can keep you up at night. Soda also contains chemicals that promote acid reflux which you don't want when trying to sleep!

Spicy foods close to bed time can keep you awake with heartburn. If spicy food has been known to impact you, try cutting it out of your last meal of the day.

Alcohol, such as a glass of wine, may make you feel sleepy. However, it can cause you to have a less restful sleep.

So, what are some good snacks to eat before bed?
Try out some of the following-
1.) Low-fat milk or non-dairy milk and whole grain cereal
2.) Natural peanut butter on whole grain bread
3.) Yogurt, 1/2 a banana, and a few walnuts
4.) Two cups plain popcorn with a drizzle of olive oil


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