Isn't it truly satisfying when you hit your bed at night after a long day at work? While some lucky ones are able to fall asleep in a matter of minutes, others find themselves tossing around in bed all night. We even try to look for remedies to help us sleep better, such as meditating or listening to calm music. But somehow, nothing seems to work in our favour. Amidst all of this, one thing that we end up ignoring is the type of food we eat for dinner. Certain foods are not suitable for nighttime and could be the reason why you're unable to sleep peacefully. On the other hand, some may help induce sleep. Learn about both of them below:
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Here Are 5 Worst Foods For Sleep:
1. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods tend to increase our body temperature, which can have a negative impact on our sleep. It can also cause gas and acid reflux, which can be quite uncomfortable. Not only this, but you may also end up waking up to the feeling of heartburn.
2. White Bread
We all know that white bread leads to weight gain, but did you know it can also hamper your sleep? This is because it has a high glycemic index and causes sudden spikes in sugar levels. Several studies suggest that such foods can prevent you from getting quality sleep.
3. Ice Cream
Do you often reach out for that bowl of ice cream right after dinner? If yes, it's time to stop doing so. Ice cream is high in sugar and fat, and having it during the night isn't such a great idea. It will not only keep you awake but will also lead to weight gain.
4. Chocolate
Another big no-no before bedtime is chocolate. This includes both milk and dark chocolates. Milk chocolate is high in sugar, whereas dark chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can increase your heart rate and keep you alert.
5. Fried Foods
Fried foods such as French fries, pakodas, samosas, spring rolls, etc. should be avoided at all costs at night. Since all of them have a high fat content, our body takes longer to digest them, and this can cause discomfort while sleeping.
Here Are 5 Best Foods For Sleep:
1. Warm Milk
We often hear our elders advise us to drink a warm glass of milk before bed. Wonder why? It's because milk contains tryptophan, which is known to induce sleep and help calm our minds. Start having a glass of warm milk every night and see how effortlessly you fall asleep.
2. Almonds
Eating a handful of almonds before you get into bed may also improve your sleep quality. They are a rich source of magnesium, which helps relax our muscles and also reduces anxiety.
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3. Pumpkin Seeds
Just like almonds, pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and prevent insomnia. You can have a handful of pumpkin seeds as is or even mix them in some yoghurt.
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4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea contains a compound called apigenin, which helps relax our muscles and has a soothing effect on our nerves. Additionally, it may also help reduce anxiety, ensuring you have a restful sleep.
5. Banana
Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which are excellent for promoting sleep. Swap unhealthy fried and sugary foods with a banana and see the amazing benefits it has to offer.
Not getting proper sleep is troublesome not only for those few hours but also has an impact on our energy levels the next day. Now that you know about the best and worst foods for sleep, take the necessary steps to sleep better.