You’ve tried lavender oil, counting sheep and turning off your electronic devices an hour before bed, but you’re still struggling to get some decent sleep.
It might be worth looking to your diet for a solution and stocking up on these surprising foods that can help you sleep.
Almonds
Not only are almonds a great nutritious snack option when you’re feeling peckish, they also contain magnesium, which aids in regulating your nerve and muscle function.
Almonds can also improve your production of melatonin, which is a sleep-inducing hormone.
Bananas
Bananas are a nutrient-rich food that is great for nerve and cell recovery.
Bananas contain magnesium, are high in potassium (a muscle relaxant) and are high in vitamin B6, which your body needs to produce melatonin.
Wholegrains
Wholegrains can be a great night-time snack option as they are a good source of magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Wholegrains can include wholegrain breads or crispbreads, wholegrain breakfast cereals, brown rice, quinoa, couscous, popcorn and oatmeal.
Sleepy-time recipe tip: Try a slice of wholegrain toast topped with almond butter, sliced banana and slivered almonds for a melatonin and magnesium boost.
Hummus
Hummus is a healthy snack choice, as it’s made from chickpeas, which contain vitamin B6.
Hummus is also a good source of tryptophan, which boosts serotonin (a pre-cursor to melatonin).
Want to learn more about improving your sleep health? Explore our Sleep Health Hub here.