Body & Mind

This is what you should eat for the best night's sleep ever

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:000630#30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:00-3Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330 08pm30pm-30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:003Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam2023302023Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200153156pmThursday=9#!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam6#06-08-2023#!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:000630#/30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:00-3Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330#!30Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:15:06 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam6#

‘Are you sleeping well?’ my doctor asked me the other day. I always feel like I have to fib a little to gain her approval, while of course I wouldn’t be sitting there if I hadn’t been so incredibly tired for quite some time. So I had to honestly admit that I indeed haven’t been sleeping well lately, but that I have only myself to blame. I am just a night owl. I thrive on the knowledge that the whole world is asleep and no one needs me at that moment. It’s the time when I tidy up my house or finish my work; I genuinely enjoy the peace. The next morning, however, is a bit less pleasant, and this awkward rhythm often means that I can’t get going in the first half of the day, only to have a huge surge of energy at the end of the day.

Now, there are of course a hundred tricks you can apply to fall asleep more easily, but did you know that you can also gain some nighttime hours through your diet? I researched what you should eat for a better night’s sleep and I’m happy to share this with my fellow night owls. Just so we can start our mornings a bit more pleasantly in the future.

Turkey or chicken
Turkey and chicken contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep. It can help you relax and make you sleepy. By the way, this must be the healthy variant; a bucket from KFC will only give you a night of heartburn, I’m afraid.

Bananas
Bananas are a good source of magnesium and potassium, two minerals that relax the muscles and help promote deep and restful sleep. My dear great-aunts (who lived together until the end of their lives, mega goals) always shared a banana before bed for this very reason. I’m afraid half a banana won’t cut it, but I thought this was too sweet not to share.

Oats
Good news for oatmeal lovers: oats contain complex carbohydrates that promote the absorption of tryptophan. Additionally, oats are also rich in melatonin, making them a good choice for promoting a good night’s sleep. Just make sure to brew your evening coffee with a cup of decaf and you’ll sleep like a rose (or like an Annefleur).

Dairy products
Whatever my boyfriend does and wherever he is: in the evening, there always has to be a bowl of quark finished. I often laugh about it a bit, but he’s on the right track. Dairy products contain tryptophan and calcium. Calcium helps the body produce melatonin, while tryptophan stimulates the production of serotonin. A glass of warm milk before bed is the best choice: it can help you relax and let you fall asleep like a log.

Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that promotes sleep and reduces anxiety. A cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you relax and calm down. I often drink it too, but I often feel so wired in the evening that one cup won’t do it for me. Blame it on the undiagnosed ADHD.

Lavender tea
Lavender tea has the same calming effects as chamomile tea. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier for you to fall asleep. Additionally, lavender tea helps you sleep better so that nothing or no one can wake you from those divine dreams about Harry Styles. Doesn’t sound bad, right?