An expert has explained why eating a banana before bed could be a good idea. What we eat coming up to bedtime can really affect the quality of the rest we are about to have. Most of us are aware that too much sugar or caffeine before bed can make it difficult to sleep, as we are given too much energy and will find it hard to settle. Similarly, eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can make things uncomfortable when you are trying to doze off for the night.
While we are aware of what we should avoid and what we should never eat right before bed, some foods might actually help. One of them is bananas, says one expert. Bananas are a common thing to find in British fridges and cupboards. If you have a bunch of them lying around and you are wondering how to use them, having one as a bedtime snack might be a good idea. Nutritionist Brenda Madole from MyOrThrive explained why certain foods are good to eat before going to bed to sleep for the night.
“What you eat in the evening can have a huge impact on your sleep quality,” she explained. “Certain foods naturally contain compounds that support the production of melatonin and serotonin – the hormones responsible for regulating your body’s sleep–wake cycle. Choosing the right evening snack could help you drift off faster and sleep more soundly.”
When it comes to bananas, they contain magnesium. This element relaxes muscles, which in-turn helps you to relax overall and pouts you in a better position to fall asleep.
Additionally, studies have found that magnesium can help increase the body’s production of melatonin, which is your sleep hormone. You might be familiar with melatonin if you have had sleep struggles before, as it is often offered to insomnia sufferers as a synthetic sleep aid.
When it comes to magnesium, Healthline reports that other good sources include avocados, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Meanwhile, the B6 found in bananas helps convert tryptophan into serotonin, which will further help you relax and sleep.
Brenda also recommends grapes, kiwis, and cherries before bed. She explains that grapes contain natural melatonin, which acts as a sleep aid.
When it comes to kiwis, they have serotonin, a hormone that is linked to better moods and better sleep. Meanwhile, cherries have melatonin and tryptophan, both of which contribute to a better quality of sleep.