Natural Cures for Insomnia - Food and Drink
If you suffer from insomnia need to be careful with your diet and what you eat during the day can have a big effect on how easily and well you sleep at night. Traditionally a warm glass of milk has been used as a natural cure for insomnia and this really does help. Dairy foods contain a chemical called tryptophan which the body uses to produce melatonin and serotonin both of which are necessary to good nights sleep. Other foods that contain tryptophan include chicken, peanuts, bananas and oats. In order to make tryptophan more available to the brain it has been found that the combination of high carbohydrate and low protein in a meal helps.
This combination can be found in the following foods and one of them should be sent before bed.
- An apple with a small portion of cheese
- Peanut butter crackers
- Yogurt with a topping of granola
- Oatmeal or other cereal with low-fat milk
Lettuce
It has been known for a long time that lettuce can help to promote healthy sleep. Various substance related to opium and also an anti-cramping agent called hyoscyarnin present in small amounts in lettuce. Making a a drink of lettuce juice with a little lemon juice to give it a better flavor can be helpful in helping you to sleep.
Food and Drink to Avoid in the Evening
Spicy foods - these can bring on heartburn keep you awake.
Caffeine - this of course is a well-known stimulant.
Alcohol - too much alcohol may initially send you to sleep but you will either wake frequently during the night or wake in the early hours and not be able to go back to sleep.
Sugar - foods high in sugar refined carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels causing energy bursts that disturb sleep.
Meat - meat and other food that is high in protein block the synthesis of serotonin and so help to keep you more alert.
Too much liquid - don’t drink too much at night or you will be getting up to visit the bathroom too often.
Nicotine - nicotine in cigarettes is a neuro stimulant and wille help to keep you awake.
Conclusion
Being careful with what you eat not only in the evening but also throughout the day can go a long way to helping you sleep at night. Together with other natural insomnia cures, such as relaxation techniques, you should be able to enjoy a good night sleep.