{"id":1983,"date":"2018-02-19T15:46:57","date_gmt":"2018-02-19T15:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/121dietitian.co.uk\/?p=1983"},"modified":"2023-04-05T20:33:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T19:33:08","slug":"eat-good-nights-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/121dietitian.com\/?p=1983","title":{"rendered":"What to eat for a good night’s sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you struggle to nod off at night? Did you know that diet actually plays a key role in contributing to a good night’s sleep? Here, we discuss how what you eat affects your sleep, the foods to avoid and those which will help you welcome those zzzs.<\/h2>\n

Incorporating certain foods into your food plan that are known for aiding relaxation and calming frayed nerves may help aid you for a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n

What you eat affects how you sleep. How many times have you gone to bed after a late dinner or a midnight snack, tossed and turned and had the most ferocious dreams all because of that late feast?<\/p>\n

\"Good<\/p>\n

Become a tryptophan fan <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some foods actively contribute to a good night’s sleep because they contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin.<\/p>\n

Simply put, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve traffic so your brain isn’t revved up and raring to go.<\/p>\n

By adding more foods containing tryptophan, a natural sedative, you are giving yourself a better chance of undisturbed rest.<\/p>\n

Carbohydrates are particularly rich in this calming ingredient and many meal options can be planned that not only fit into your food plan but can also ensure you enjoy a safe passage to the land of nod.<\/p>\n

\"Good<\/p>\n

Foods such as potatoes, gluten free pasta and bread, rice, eggs, seafood, chicken, turkey, gluten free cereals, buckwheat, seeds and nuts are high in tryptophan and are perfect snooze boosters, and can be, if over eaten, the reason why you have a 3pm office slump!<\/p>\n

Try to have little snacks of these during the day or incorporate them into your evening meal to ensure you benefit from their in-built snooze facilities.<\/p>\n

Of course going to bed hungry is a sure-fire way to ensure you’ll be counting sheep all night. So make sure your evening meal is satisfying and not too heavy in proteins, which will lay heavy on the stomach and could keep you awake.<\/p>\n

If you do find you are hungry at bedtime, then great bedtime snacks could include:<\/strong><\/p>\n