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Refuel and Refresh: Best Foods for Restful Sleep

by Laura Barns

5min read

Our sleep cycles can be affected by a number of factors, from relationship stresses to work anxieties, jetlag to temperature and of course, sleeping next to an annoying, snoring partner. 

Not being able to get a good night’s sleep regularly can take over your life, leading to a vicious cycle of sleep stress on top of everything else. And the best way we know how to help is through food.

How can food help?

Studies show that nutrition can have a huge effect on our state of mind. And as our sleep can be disturbed by external factors like stress, it’s helpful to investigate which foods, herbs and drinks can help our body to function by switching overactive minds into rest mode. 

There’s also evidence that higher levels of certain amino acids may help you fall asleep more quickly and improve sleep quality, promoting deeper more restful sleep.So it’s worth investigating your meals in the name of a good night’s sleep.Here are some of our (all-vegan) food and drink favourites to help you catch those zzzs.

Green tea

We’ve all heard that cutting caffeinated drinks out of your diet is a good way to aid sleep. This is because caffeine disturbs the receptors in your brain that receive the brain chemical adenosine. If you need a hot-drink-fix, green or chamomile tea are great replacements. Green tea even contains a brain relaxing chemical called L-Theanine.

Bananas 

Bananas are a great source of magnesium and potassium which help ease overstressed muscles and make them the perfect go-to snack before bed. They also include all-important tryptophan which stimulates the production of key brain calming hormones. Eat whole right before bed, or whirl into a sleep-inducing smoothie.

Lavender 

Lavender oil has been associated with rest and sleep for centuries. It is made up of mostly linalyl acetate and linalool, both chemicals that are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Research reveals that these cause a sedative effect, helping you snooze a bit easier. You can consume lavender in tea, cake, biscuit form (to name a few of our favourites), though if those don’t take your fancy, add a few drops of essential oil onto your pillow or into your bath before bed. 

Whole grains

If you’re feeling restless before bedtime, try eating a piece of wholegrain bread or toast. Whole grains promote the production of insulin, which helps neural pathways get tryptophan — basically a fancy amino acid that serves as a sedative to the brain.

Chickpeas

There’s (way) more to chickpeas than just hummus. Not only have chickpeas been scientifically proven to help you eat less, but they’re also really high in vitamin B6, which plays a vital role in aiding your body’s production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone that lifts your mental health and helps you rest.

Oats

Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the body’s sleep/wake cycle, as they are a natural source of melatonin. So a bowl of porridge isn’t just a great way to start the day…Much like whole grains, oatmeal also triggers insulin production. This naturally raises your blood sugar, making you more likely to feel tired.

Leafy greens 

Leafy greens (think kale, spinach, lettuce, etc.) contain high levels of potassium, magnesium and calcium which is important for producing sleep hormones. A green smoothie, quick stir-fry or sandwich is a great pre-bedtime snack. 

Almonds

Almonds are also great as they contain magnesium which sleep, as well as muscle relaxation. They have the extra benefit of being a high source of protein, which helps maintain a stable blood sugar level while you sleep.

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By Laura Barns
Laura Barns

Laura is our Copywriter, who is obsessed with the Hearty Roots Stew (and has been known to eat a double serve for lunch on more than one occasion). On her day off you’ll find her walking her puppy Ralph, stopping off at bookshops and cocktail bars along the way. 

Read more from Laura


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