Anyone who knows me knows that I am a serial insomniac. I can go up to three days without any damn sleep, not because I want to, but because I just cannot seem to force myself to go to bed. PROBLEMS. This wasn’t an issue when I was just a wee lass, but as I’ve gotten older (OMG I’m getting old FML), it seems to be affecting my overall mood and demeanor throughout the day. I mean, I’m already cranky and annoying on the average day, so you can imagine how bad it can get sometimes.
I’ve been trying to tackle this little sleep problem of mine recently, and I first started out by getting new pillows, a lavender scent infuser, and a new OzMattress memory foam mattress. All this most definitely helped me get to bed a little easier, but one of my friends mentioned to me that what you eat before bedtime also affects the quality of sleep you get. So, in my bid to sleep like a baby, I’ve done a little research on the Best Vegan Food To Eat Bedtime. Check it out peeps.
1. Bananas
Bananas contain Melatonin (ever seen Melatonin pills at the grocery that promote a good night’s sleep? – same thing) as well as Tryptophan. These are natural chemicals that help you fall asleep. Mister Melatonin sends signals to your brain that it’s time for your body to wind down. Mister Tryptophan converts to Serotonin in your body, a neurotransmitter that induces relaxation and makes you feel all sleepy kitty. Bananas also contain magnesium, a well known muscle relaxer and tension reducer.
2. A Small Bowl Of Rice
Similar to Bananas, Rice, which is ranked high on the Glycemic Index, improve Tryptophan and Melatonin production in your body. Rice is also quite filling and will prevent you from having a grumbling tummy in the middle of the night – trust me, this happens to me often and makes it even more difficult to fall asleep.
3. Cherry Juice
No, it’s not the kind of cherry juice your filthy mind is thinking about now. Or maybe it’s just my filthy mind. Let’s move on, shall we? Cherries are definitely one of the richest and most natural source of our friend Mister Melatonin. He and his friend seem to be the star of today’s post. If Cherry Juice is too sour/tart for your liking, dilute it with some sparkling water or mineral water for a little less pucker.
4. Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens such as Kale, Spinach and Collard Greens are really high in Magnesium and Folate which have scientifically been proven to aid in helping people fall asleep. You can simply steam Spinach or Kale, sprinkle a little sea salt on along with a squeeze of lemon and you’ll have a delicious pre bedtime snack. Another idea would be to have a large serving of leafy greens alongside your dinner. I mean, greens are good for you anyway, so just do it yeah?
5. Sweet Potato
Sweet Potatoes are a lazy pig’s dream. They are one of the best sleep promoters in the food world because they’re loaded with complex carbohydrates that keep you full all night long, but they’ve also got Potassium (that muscle relaxant we spoke about with the Bananas). A good snack would be half a baked Sweet Potato before bed time, sprinkled with cinnamon and a little Vegan Butter.
Well there you go, folks. A couple of things that should help you get a better night’s rest. Obviously, stay away from stuff like Soda, Coffee, Energy Drinks and any sort of stimulants before bed. Yes, this includes Alcohol (it makes you wake up repeatedly throughout the night). I leave you with the wise words of Bono, “You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight”. Ciao!
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