5 Superfoods For A Better Sleep

We’ve all been there, it’s late at night, the dinner you had earlier seems like it was days ago and your tummy is rumbling again. But what do you reach for? Some late-night snacks will be more detrimental to your beauty sleep than others so we’re here to give you the 5 natural foods that will help you catch those z’s!

We live in a world where over-the-counter medications or the booze aisle is our usual go-to for sleep remedies but it seems these aren’t working the wonders you think they are and they don’t help you get the important REM sleep that you need.

It’s a good job that nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, CDN has managed to find some time in her busy schedule to pass on some of her knowledge to us. With clients such as Drew Barrymore & Hilary Duff, Snyder is used to working with very busy women that can rely on this intel to get their best sleep and give them the energy to lead their busy lives.

Pumpkin Seeds

Full of vitamins A & C and a decent amount of fiber to boot, pumpkin seeds are the nutritional kick that you need. They have a high magnesium content which makes them great for late-night snacking, “Magnesium is a calming nutrient, linked to better sleep…” says Snyder. They can be easily blended into a late-night smoothie with other goodies or simply consumed solo.

Brown Rice

We all lead busy lives and from time to time eating late at night is unavoidable, so If you’re going to go down the road Snyder suggest brown rice be a part of that journey. “Brown rice is loaded with tryptophan, an amino acid that helps get the brain in a relaxed state, similar to melatonin,” she says. Don’t fancy it? Other foods that include tryptophan with similar effects include salmon, eggs, lentils & turkey.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate lovers can jump for joy because you’re favorite treat has made it on the list. However we don’t want you to get too excited just yet, we’re not talking about a cheeky Cadburys Dairy Milk here.

Dark chocolate contains magnesium and this is why it’s a great choice to help with the z’s. Snyder suggests trying to stick to just one ounce or less however, as it does contain a small amount of caffeine which could keep you awake.

Spinach

A great source of magnesium & tryptophan means that spinach is a top choice for sleepy food. Make it into a liquid and easier to digest by blending it into a smoothie or a soup, it’s also delicious cooked with some salt & pepper and softens very fast.

Caffeine-free Tea

Okay yes, we know it’s not food but is there anything better than a nighttime brew? No, the answer you’re looking for is no. You just have to make sure that this time around, it’s a caffeine-free option, “Caffeine-free tea has been shown to promote relaxation and sleep quality,” says Snyder. It has the added benefit of priming the mind & body for sleep so get your bags in, she recommends chamomile, lavender, tulsi & rooibos.

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