In the modern world, everything moves at a fast pace. Jobs, family and personal matters take up most of our waking hours, and that means that our sleep is impacted as well – namely, it can be hard to get the rest that you need. Insomnia is a growing problem in America and around the world, which is why so many people turn to sleeping pills and other pharmaceuticals to help them sleep.
The effects of proper sleep can’t be overstated. A lack of sleep causes irritability, leads to trouble concentrating and compromises your immune system, leading to a greater risk of illness and cancer. Sleep helps us in our waking lives more than we could ever know; therefore, for healthy adults, it is crucial to get the recommended amount of 8 hours per day. However, many of us don’t want to turn to pills or other manufactured sleeping aids; instead, we seek a natural solution to our sleeping problems.
That’s where food comes in. Diet is crucial to sleep. Consuming unhealthy foods, especially those with an excess of sugar or caffeine, can lead to irregular sleep patterns and insomnia. On the flip side, eating certain foods has been proven to help you sleep, providing a natural cure for a lack of rest. Take a look at these five foods that you may not expect to help you sleep, but will greatly improve your ability to rest and refresh yourself.
1. Salmon
Salmon contains vitamin B6, an essential nutrient that the body uses to make melatonin, a sleep hormone. It also contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids that your body needs to function at healthy levels when you are awake.
2. Leafy greens
This alternative to raw vegetables, which includes greens such as kale and Swiss chard, provides the body with calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral needed for manufacturing sleep hormones and helping ensure a natural sleep cycle.
3. Cherry juice
Tart cherry juice is especially helpful in ensuring uninterrupted sleep, which is crucial in order to avoid a feeling of drowsiness in the morning.
4. Popcorn
The carbohydrates in popcorn stimulate the body’s production of serotonin, a hormone that helps you relax, and thus sleep more quickly.
5. Honey
Instead of other sugary foods, honey provides carbs that stimulate the body’s processing of tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in natural sleep, without all of the negatives that come with fat and sugar.