Eat to sleep

There are many foods that you can eat that will help you have a better nights rest. No, these aren't obscure, tasteless, health food store only foods either. These are foods that you most likely eat on a daily basis. The reason that these foods help you get to sleep is because they contain an amino-acid called tryotophan. Tryptophan is not manufactured by the human body so it needs to come from the foods you eat. The great thing about tryptophan is that it starts a wonderful chemical chain reaction in the body that leads to sleep. When you eat foods that contain this amino-acid your body releases niacin (vitamin b) which helps in producing serotonin. Serotonin has a calming effect on the brain and will help you to fall asleep.

The beneficial effects of tryptophan generally only occur when consumed on an empty stomach. It also works best when consumed with a high amount of carbohydrates, as this allows for faster absorption of the amino-acid. This is not as tricky as it may seem. To use these foods as a natural sleep aid is simple. After lunch don't eat any snacks or drink beverages other than water. When dinner time comes you should have an empty stomach. Prepare a meal high in carbohydrates and tryptophan rich foods. Be sure to eat plenty so that you are not craving a bedtime snack. If you need a snack you can drink a glass of warm milk and a piece of whole grain bread before bed since it also contains tryptophan and absorbing carbohydrates.

Tryptophan rich foods:

• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Poultry
• Soy sauce
• Meat
• Rice
• Seafood
• Lentils
• Soy products
• Whole grains
• Beans
• Kale
• Sesame and sunflower seeds
• Peanuts

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