7 Best Foods to Eat to Prevent Insomnia

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep? Insomnia is one of the most frustrating things, as you probably know. A few years ago, I started to have insomnia for a period of a few months. I like to heal any health challenge I encounter in a natural way without drug, so I researched and experimented with ways to heal my insomnia naturally. Foods are a natural way to prevent and reduce insomnia. So incorporating some of the foods I share with you, is a great way to naturally reduce inflammation. I'm grateful to be able to share with you what I have found to be some of the best foods to eat to prevent insomnia. I am grateful because I know that through my sharing, you can learn from my experience, and be on your way to healing your insomnia too!

Before I get into the foods, I would like to share with you a little bit about what Insomnia is, so that you can gain a better understanding. Insomnia is sleeplessness or difficulty sleeping. It is both a sign and a symptom that accompanies sleep and other health disorders. It is often followed by functional impairment of daytime activities. People that have insomnia are not able to get restorative sleep. They have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Insomnia can happen at any age, but is more common in elderly people.

People with insomnia experience poor sleep quality, which refers to the paradox that even though you have slept, you do not feel refreshed when you wake. Insomnia is a common symptom affecting millions of people that may be caused by many conditions, diseases, or circumstances. It may be caused by poor sleep habits, stress, depression, pain, unhealthy habits, anxiety, or a poor sleeping environment.

Insomnia can be caused by a wide range of factors. One of the most common causes is stress. Depression, grief, and other stressful emotions are also big causes. If you are distracted by negative thoughts during the day, it is very likely that you will have difficulty sleeping at night, because your brain will still be mulling over the events and stressors of the day. While the body is trying to rest, the mind reliving stressful past events, and going through a to-do list will give the body a big challenge in falling asleep.

Now I will share with you seven of the best foods to eat to prevent insomnia. If you would like to eat to prevent insomnia, then try incorporating some of these foods into your diet. If you already eat some of them, then include more of them in your diet.

Cherries
Eating cherries or drinking cherry juice can help regulate the body's sleep cycle. According to a study done by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, tart cherry juice reduced the severity of insomnia for older adults.

Grapes
Grapes are a fruit that contain melatonin. Melatonin has antioxidant qualities, and plays a big role in sleep-wake patterns. Investigators reported that the grape varieties which have high content of melatonin are: Sangiovesse, Nebbolo, Merlot, Cabernet Savignon, and Croatina.

Dairy Products
Dairy products also contain tryptophan the sleep-inducing amino acid. It is used by the brain to make neurotransmitters that induce sleep. It also spurs the production of melatonin and serotonin. Eat some type of dairy at dinner time and see how it helps with your sleep.

Bananas
Bananas contain tryptophan, which is a natural sleep aid and helps to induce relaxation. Also the nutrients in bananas are helpful for other health problems, that may be causing you trouble sleeping. Try to include one banana in your day each day and see how it affects your sleep. I eat a banana everyday, and it is one of my favorite foods to eat to prevent insomnia.

Tryptophan-Containing Foods
Foods that contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid, can cause a person to feel sleepy. Some foods with high levels of tryptophan are eggs, bananas, and turkey. According to the National Sleep Foundation, carbohydrates increase the availability of tryptophan in the brain. So eating a balanced snack of tryptophan and carbohydrates such as cheese and crackers before bed can increase the possibility of sleep. I started eating eggs only at dinner time and I noticed a big difference in my ability to fall asleep. I had been eating 2 eggs in the morning, but then I would feel tired during the day. So by eliminating eating eggs in the morning and only eating them at dinner, I am now able to fall asleep much more easily, and wake up refreshed.

Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea is known for being a relaxation inducing tea. It has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for many health problems including sleep disorders, digestive problems, and anxiety. Try drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed and see how it affects your sleep. Chamomile is also available in capsule form for those who would prefer to ingest the herb instead of drinking it.

Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables contain healthy amounts of calcium. It is important to get enough calcium because research suggests that being calcium deficient may make it difficult to fall asleep. So including spinach, kale, collards, or other green leafy veggies in your diet would be very beneficial for your sleep.

I hope you learned from this list of best foods to prevent insomnia. Include some of these foods in your diet and see how your sleep improves. Buy eating these foods I was able to fall asleep quickly again and sleep like a baby. I hope the same happens for you!

If you would like to learn more tips for getting rid of insomnia, I wrote a book which you can find here: No More Late Nights! How to Get Rid of Insomnia, and Sleep Like a Baby. amazon.com/dp/B008EXC4FE.

If you would like to check out my other books, you can find me on Amazon here: amazon.com/author/carolyncollins. Providing Complementary Medicine, Holistic And Alternative Medicine offers plus alternative medical system information online.

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