Which foods help to promote a good night’s sleep?

While that big comfy bed might seem like the ultimate refuge, a good night’s sleep can allude many people. Are there certain foods that can help make dreamland come a little sooner?

Although many people focus on healthy eating, it is only one component of a healthy lifestyle. Sleep is just as important as all those minutes on the treadmill.

Recently, Sleep.com partnered with various experts to share some helpful ways to boost the body’s ability to drift off to a good night’s sleep. One of those items is with food.

What foods does Chef Andrea Drummer recommend for a good night’s sleep?

Many people think about the nutrients in food to boost healthy eating. From vitamins and minerals to protein and fiber, there are many reasons why some people choose one food over another.

For Chef Andrea Drummer, she looks at certain foods as a way to promote a good night’s sleep. While eating these certain foods doesn’t mean that nap time will come mid-morning, it is a list to consider when sleep might be a little elusive.

Certain foods have ingredients that are beneficial to sleeping. From melatonin to tryptophan, these foods can set the tone for a more restful mindset. Although nothing can guarantee the perfect night’s sleep, these food choices might be ones to consider if all that tossing and turning becomes overwhelming.

Chamomile

Many people have turned to chamomile tea at bedtime to help winddown at bedtime. Beyond that tea ritual, Chef Andrea finds that the chamomile tea helps to quiet the mind during the night.

Cherries

Although the pits might be cumbersome, cherries are packed with melatonin, potassium, tryptophan and serotonin. Why not have a handful as a sweet, tart treat to end the day.

Fish

If the dinner time dilemma is overwhelming, consider choosing fish to help with nighttime restlessness. Fish packed with Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D can help promote sleep.

Nuts

While that binge watching might cause the munchies, a handful of nuts might be a good choice for a snack. Almonds are packed with melatonin and walnuts contain magnesium and potassium. All those items promote a calming feeling.

Bananas

While many people start their day with a banana, it might be a good idea to end the day with a banana. High potassium foods are a good sleep aid.

Turkey

While the old Thanksgiving nap instantly comes to mind, the reality is that the tryptophan in turkey does help with sleep. But, overeating is not necessarily to the point of a food coma may not be a good way to end the night.

Chickpeas

From hummus to a crunchy garnish on a salad, chickpeas are packed with good nutrition. Chef Andrea recommends incorporating some chickpeas into dinner recipes. High levels of vitamin B6 help to produce serotonin, which is good for sleep. ,

Leafy Greens

While everyone knows that more leafy greens are good for healthy eating, those greens are high in calcium. Instead of that glass of warm milk, consider some leafy greens with dinner for a bigger nutritional punch.

Do you have a routine that helps promote a good night’s sleep? Have you used food as a key component to a healthy living lifestyle?