Sleep Inducing Foods And Why They Make You Sleepy

Have you ever wondered what's in Thanksgiving turkey that makes you want to curl up and go to sleep? I sure have.

No matter how much you try to control it, the inevitable happens. You fall right to sleep against your will when you should be visiting with relatives you usually only see once a year.

I know it's closer to Valentine's day than Thanksgiving but I promise you it's relevant just keep reading.

We all are familiar with the foods we shouldn't have before going to bed. You know like caffeine, too many liquids, spicy food and alcohol. These are obvious! But, there are foods that are actually encouraged before going to bed. I'm sure many of you remember being offered a glass of milk before bed as a child. Do you know why? It's because milk contains tryptophan (and so does that Thanksgiving turkey).

Tryptophan is an amino acid that's needed for your body to make serotonin which promotes sleep. However, in order for Tryptophan to be effective, it must get to the brain. Ensuring tryptophan gets to the brain requires carbohydrates to run interference. The insulin that's released when carbs are added absorbs into the muscle. Therefore, keeping tryptophan open to make its way to the brain. Once it's made it to the brain is usually when sleepiness kicks in due to the melatonin and serotonin.

Foods that have tryptophan include poultry, peanuts, oats and bananas. By eating foods containing tryptophan, you're that much closer to getting some sleep and don't forget the carbs!

I'm a supportive wife and an involved mother who has had trouble sleeping since the birth of my first child.

I've turned over many rocks trying to uncover the secret to a better night's sleep.

I would like to provide anyone with trouble sleeping the information that I have found over time. After all, sleep is a basic human need and we all deserve a "good sleep".

Here's to restful sleep!!!

[http://www.wannagotosleep.com/blog]

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Foods That Will Help You Sleep Better

Did you know that your sleeping problems could be caused by the foods you eat? Many people suffer from poor sleep cycles, and food is one factor that can negatively or positively affect your sleep cycle. There are several types of foods that actually help you relax, support your nervous system, and help you sleep more soundly.

During the day, try to eat foods rich in B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.? Other sleep-enhancing foods include complex carbohydrates and those with high levels of tryptophan.

B vitamins help support your nervous system. It's also been shown to help with dream activity. Green vegetables, like spinach, chard, kale, and collards are great sources of vitamin B. They are good sources for magnesium. Other healthful, vitamin B foods include nuts and seeds, eggs, seafood, soya bean, yeast extract, and dairy goods.

Calcium and magnesium rich foods also help you get a good night's sleep. Calcium acts as a sedative, allowing you to relax. Calcium food choices include dairy products and oats, tahini, sesame seeds, broccoli, and raw vegetables. Magnesium helps your muscles relax. Besides eating leafy greens to get your daily magnesium, you can also use supplements. Check with your doctor on what types of supplements and what levels would be appropriate for you.

Complex carbohydrates are slow burning foods that help your system by supplying a steady release of energy. By eating these foods throughout your day, you will give your body the energy it needs. Some of the recommended choices of complex carbohydrates are wholegrain cereals (oats, barley, and rice), lentils, and beans.

Tryptophan aids in the production of serotonin and melatonin. Both are brain chemicals that calm us and help induce sleep. Food is the main way we get tryptophan. Good food choices include turkey (the highest levels of tryptophan), chicken, seafood, soy, beans, dairy product (yogurt, cheese, and milk), almonds and other nuts and seeds.

If these foods aren't typically in your diet, now is the time to add them. You can start by adding one or two new foods. Look for recipes that use these foods and also make for a great meal. It is important to eat foods that are healthful, so your body will function well. By choosing sleep-enhancing foods, you'll be enabling your body to sleep better and improve your health.

If you find it difficult to sleep and to enjoy restful sleep, please sign up for my free mini-course that will help you change your sleep patterns and enjoy a better night's sleep.

You can access more informative Sleep tips and articles similar to the above as well as discover a completely natural sleep remedy here http://www.nightsleepisnatural.com.

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