Feast for Rest: How Your Diet Fuels Better Sleep
The Connection Between Food and Sleep
Nutrients That Promote Rest
Magnesium and Melatonin
Foods rich in magnesium—like spinach or almonds—support relaxation, while melatonin sources like cherries aid sleep onset.
Snack on Nuts
A handful of almonds before bed offers a magnesium boost for deeper rest.
Try Tart Cherries
A small glass of tart cherry juice can naturally increase melatonin levels.
Timing Your Meals
Avoid Late Heavy Eating
Digestion from big meals close to bedtime can disrupt sleep—keep dinners light and early.
Eat 2-3 Hours Before
Finish your last meal well before bed to let your body focus on rest, not digestion.
Balance Carbs and Protein
A combo like turkey and whole-grain crackers stabilizes blood sugar for uninterrupted sleep.
Eating Habits for Better Rest
Sleep-Boosting Foods
Incorporate Tryptophan
Tryptophan-rich foods like turkey or bananas help produce serotonin, a precursor to melatonin.
Add Fatty Fish
Salmon or mackerel, high in omega-3s, improve sleep duration per studies.
Go for Kiwi
One kiwi before bed has been shown to speed up sleep onset and quality.
What to Avoid
Cut Caffeine Late
Caffeine’s effects linger—skip it after midday to protect your sleep cycle.
Limit Sugary Snacks
Sugar spikes can wake you up at night; opt for stable energy sources instead.