5 plant-based foods for better sleep
Sleep is an integral part of supporting optimal health, and not getting enough can be a recipe for mood swings, food cravings, and lower immunity.
Not getting enough sleep happens to be a super common issue in the US, with 50-70 million Americans suffering from some form of sleep-related issue.
The good news is that in addition to certain lifestyle changes (like stress reduction and limiting your caffeine intake in the afternoon or evening), there are a handful of plant-based foods that may come with some sleep-boosting benefits.
Here are five nutrient-dense plant-based foods you may want to consider adding to your diet for better sleep.
5 Plant-based Foods For Better Sleep
#1 Tart Cherry Juice
If you’re a fan of cherries and are looking for a natural way to support better sleep, look no further than tart cherry juice. Tart cherries are rich in melatonin, and studies have shown that tart cherry juice helps boost how much sleep we get.
Try adding some to a smoothie or diluting it with water for a tart, refreshing beverage that may be just the ticket for a better night’s sleep.
#2 Bananas
Slice up a banana and enjoy it with a slab and almond butter and hemp seeds for a delicious post-dinner snack. Bananas are rich in magnesium and tryptophan, both of which play a role in supporting better sleep.
#3 Almonds
And speaking of almond butter, almonds are a great source of magnesium. Magnesium plays a key role in supporting better sleep. They are also naturally rich in melatonin, making them a great snack to enjoy after dinner.
#4 Walnuts
Here’s another highly nutritious plant-based food you may want to consider enjoying for better sleep. Walnuts, like almonds, are also rich in melatonin, and they are also a great source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids — which have also been shown to help support better sleep.
For the ultimate sleep-boosting post-dinner treat, try whipping up some banana “nice” cream with almond milk and enjoy with walnuts and raw cacao nibs. Not only will it satisfy that after dinner sweet tooth craving, but it’s a delicious way to give your body the nutrients it needs to help support optimal sleep habits.
#5 Chamomile Tea
One of the most commonly enjoyed herbal teas, chamomile has long been known for its ability to help promote relaxation and support sleep. Sipping on some chamomile tea may also help ease anxiety. This is key because anxiety is often an underlying cause of poor sleep habits.
So, sip on a mug with a sprinkle of coconut sugar or pure maple syrup for a relaxing beverage as you unwind from your busy day.
The Plant-Based Approach to Better Sleep
Enjoying a plant-based diet comes with numerous health benefits, and many plant-based foods just happen to contain some impressive sleep-boosting properties.
So, if you are looking for natural ways to improve the quality of those important nightly Zs, consider enjoying these five foods more regularly. They are delicious, packed full of nutritional value, and all make yummy post-dinner snacks for a better night sleep.
