Food Tips for Restful Sleep

Trouble sleeping? “Don’t eat before bed” is common advice. When your body is hampered by the digestion process, some people find it hard to relax. However, for some, a small snack can actually help them unwind. Your Reno sleep dentists have some suggestions on foods to eat, and foods to avoid, before you lay your head down on your pillow at night.

Foods That Induce Sleep

1. Tryptophan

Dairy foods and eggs are great ways to get the essential amino acid, tryptophan, into your system. Tryptophan is known to help you feel sleepy, and can also be found in plant-based sources like nuts, seeds, and bananas.

2. Carbohydrates

Carbs work great in combination with dairy, nuts, and fruit to produce a larger amount of tryptophan. Examples of great late night snacks include: a bowl of cereal with cow’s or nut milk, a peanut butter and banana sandwich, or a small quesadilla made with low-fat cheese.

Foods That Hinder Sleep

1. Protein

Turkey and tryptophan are often linked, but high protein snacks are a bad idea before you go to sleep. Harder to digest, large amounts of protein might induce insomnia. Try a glass of warm milk and some whole wheat crackers to give your body just what it needs to get a good night’s sleep.

2. Saturated Fat

Add interrupted sleep to the list of why high-fat foods should be avoided. If you indulge in a late night fast food extravaganza, your sleep cycles are likely to be thrown out of whack as your body attempts to process the unhealthy ingredients you’ve just consumed. Light and healthy is a good idea at any time of the day, but this is especially true before bed.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Finding the balance between an empty stomach and feeling uncomfortably full is a great way to make sure you get the best night of sleep possible. However, if you suspect your sleeping problem is related to snoring or sleep apnea, contact our Reno sleep dentist, Dr. Wager, at (775) 800-4845.