3 Sleep-Promoting Nutrients & Where to Find Them
Carbohydrates
Your body uses carbohydrates to make tryptophan (that sleepy little amino acid famous for turkey comas on Thanksgiving) and serotonin (a neurotransmitter responsible for putting your brain in a relaxed state). We’re not advocating for a big pasta binge right before bed, but incorporating whole grain bread, brown rice, or quinoa into your dinner meal may give your body a jump start on relaxing before bedtime.
Calcium
Research shows that calcium may help your brain use tryptophan to create melatonin—the sleep aid your body naturally produces. This may be the reason your grandmother fed you a warm glass of milk to help you sleep when you were a kid. Why not give it a try as an adult?
Our recipe for Golden Milk made with a2 Milk® before bed could be the secret to sleeping like a baby (and keeping your belly quiet too).
Magnesium
Diet surveys show that most Americans are magnesium “marginal.” This means there aren’t outward signs of deficiency, but we might not be getting enough for “optimal” health. Studies have shown that higher magnesium levels in the blood may help induce deeper, more consistent sleep. Foods like spinach and pumpkin seeds are loaded with magnesium. If those don’t sound like good bedtime snacks, you’re in luck—dark chocolate is also full of magnesium! Try a small piece of dark chocolate before bed or a mug of warm chocolate milk to give you a boost of both calcium and magnesium.
This list is not exhaustive…but I’m exhausted…so off I go for a mug of warm a2 Milk® Chocolate 2% Reduced Fat Milk and hopefully a good night’s sleep!
