Foods to help you sleep well

Did you know that what you eat can affect your sleep? That's right, there are foods that can help us enjoy a blissful night's rest, while other foods and eating habits can prevent us from getting our needed sleep. “Foods higher in specific nutrients can enhance our ability to go to sleep and the quality of sleep,” said a California-based registered dietitian nutritionist who provides counseling about diet and sleep hygiene to clients. That's probably welcome news for those of us who experience sleep problems occasionally or just about every night.

Berries with yogurt

Carbohydrates in berries can help to amplify serotonin production in the brain, while yogurt is a source of sleep-promoting tryptophan. “Yogurt isn't just for breakfast, and it helps to satisfy that sweet, creamy treat that many individuals enjoy as a nighttime snack,” said Nancy Z. Farrell Allen, a Virginia-based registered dietitian nutritionist and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Golden milk made with turmeric

Turmeric is calming to the stomach, and when you add it to warm milk, it can potentially help you fall asleep faster or sleep better, Sheth explained. You can add black pepper, which enhances our ability to absorb the curcumin, the bright yellow compound in turmeric that offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Bananas with peanut butter

This combination is not only magnesium-rich, it will also help to blunt spikes in blood sugar and can be particularly helpful for those with diabetes.