I think there is one thing we can all agree on – how amazing sleeping feels. I do not know a single person that doesn’t like to sleep. Some of us may not sleep for very long at night but I bet those people still love sleeping. Throwing out the window the idea of how much sleep we need per night (for this article’s sake), getting a good night’s sleep is tied to so many health benefits. When we get a good night’s sleep we have clearer thoughts, quicker reflexes, and are in a good mood. Consequently, not getting enough shut-eye can be a big bummer, like an out-of-whack appetite – that leads to weight gain, muscles struggling to repair themselves and a slumping immune system. Lastly, what you eat before bed can have a huge impact on how you sleep as well.
Tryptophan is your sleep like a baby miracle amino acid. This amino acid is found in all types of food. My personal favorite is turkey, it is a lean protein so you don’t have to worry about your body storing it as fat. Others include low-fat cheese, chicken, and fish. Research shows that foods with tryptophan produce serotonin, which helps promote sleep.
Add some carbohydrates in with your tryptophan. Yes, you heard me carbs – the forbidden food before bed. A partial or whole serving of some whole grains are great to pair with tryptophan, as the tryptophan need a carrier to bring it to the brain to get absorbed.
Avacado could be what the doctor ordered. Munching on foods full of magnesium and heart-healthy fats are a grand slam. In one study of older adults with insomnia, magnesium had a positive effect on their ability to sleep a decent amount of time and wake up easily as well. Tonight why not whip together some guacamole and get your body primed for ‘taco Tuesday’ tomorrow.
