Connection Between Food and Sleep
What you eat can have a big impact on how well you sleep. While many people focus on bedtime routines or screen time before bed, your diet plays an equally important role in promoting restful sleep.
Certain foods, like cherries, bananas, almonds, and oats, are rich in melatonin and magnesium—two natural sleep aids that help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and relax your muscles.
On the other hand, consuming heavy meals, caffeine, or spicy foods too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Caffeine can stay in your system for hours, making it harder to fall asleep, while spicy or fatty foods may cause indigestion, leading to discomfort during the night.
Timing matters too. Eating a large meal right before bed can raise your body temperature and increase alertness. Ideally, try to finish your last meal 2–3 hours before going to sleep. If you need a snack, opt for something light and sleep-friendly like a banana or a small handful of nuts.
In short, good sleep starts with good food choices. By being mindful of what and when you eat, you can improve your chances of a more restful, restorative night’s sleep—naturally and deliciously.