Brits told to eat common fruit before bed to help you sleep better

What we eat coming up to bedtime can really affect the quality of the rest we have. Most of us know that too much sugar or caffeine before bed can make it hard to sleep, but how about certain foods

A specialist has revealed why tucking into a banana before bedtime might be a brilliant move. What we consume in the lead-up to sleep can seriously affect how well we rest.

Most people know that excessive sugar or caffeine near bedtime can disrupt sleep, providing too much energy and making it tough to wind down. Likewise, consuming a substantial meal too close to lights-out can leave you feeling uncomfortable while trying to nod off.

While we’re clued up on what to steer clear of before hitting the hay, certain foods could actually be beneficial. Bananas are one such example, according to an expert. The yellow fruit is a staple in British kitchens and fruit bowls.

If you’ve got a bunch going spare and you’re pondering how to use them, enjoying one as an evening treat could be wise. Nutritionist Brenda Madole from MyOrThrive outlined why particular foods are beneficial to consume before settling down 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.”

Regarding bananas, they’re packed with magnesium, reports the Express. This mineral helps muscles unwind, which consequently aids overall relaxation and positions you perfectly for dropping off to sleep. Moreover, research has shown that magnesium can boost the body’s production of melatonin, your sleep hormone.

If you’ve ever struggled with sleep, you’re likely familiar with melatonin, as it’s often given to insomniacs as a synthetic sleep aid. As for magnesium, Healthline suggests other rich sources are avocados, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Meanwhile, bananas’ B6 content helps in converting tryptophan into serotonin, helping you unwind and sleep better.

Alternatively, Brenda also endorses snacking on grapes, kiwis, and cherries before hitting the hay. She explains that grapes are packed with natural melatonin, acting as a sleep aid. Nor for kiwis, they’re loaded with serotonin, a hormone associated with improved moods and better sleep. Cherries, on the other hand, are rich in both melatonin and tryptophan, contributing to a higher quality of sleep.

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, these fruits might be the solution for you. Not only they’re a cheeky healthy snack, but they’re also packed with vitamins and nutrients.