Feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish your to-do list? Let’s face it, sleep is often overlooked or forfeit in order to get things done. Instead of using the weekend to make up for lost sleep, your focus should be on getting as much quality sleep as you can every night. In part one of our Sleep Series, we’ll discuss how incorporating certain whole foods and herbs into your routine may be what you need to do just that!
Folk medicine has hailed chamomile for it’s healing properties from calming a sore throat and eczema flare-ups to treating colic and easing the symptoms of the common cold. It is also renowned for its ability to help relax the body and mind. Either through infusion, in a tea, or essential oil aromatherapy, chamomile has been clinically observed to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as relax the muscles. (1)
A small glass of tart cherry juice can also help you drift off to sleep. Tart cherry juice, made from Montmorency cherries, has a unique combination of naturally occurring melatonin and tryptophan. (2) Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle while tryptophan, an essential amino-acid, helps create serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps us fall asleep.
If you’re in the mood for a little snack, try a handful of almonds with a small banana. A mineral deficiency in magnesium and potassium can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Almonds will give you a boost of magnesium, to help relax your body, and protein, to help keep you full while you snooze. Enjoying a serving before bed is a wholesome way to supplement your magnesium levels.
Banana is rich in B6, a vitamin necessary for the body to make melatonin. Bananas are also an excellent source of potassium which is known to help relax the body. (3) The combination of raw almonds and banana can help boost your magnesium and potassium levels paving the way for a good nights rest.
You now have an arsenal of wholesome ways to help your body and your mind rest, relax and reset for the adventures of tomorrow. And remember to check back soon for part two of our ongoing Sleep Series. Until then, take a breath and enjoy a full nights rest.
Great article! I will first try tart cherry juice, then I will try other suggestions you provided. I didn’t know that foods such as, almonds and bananas were full of minerals the body needs to relax. Thank you! 🙂
Thank you Allie! Please keep us posted on your plan. You’re very welcome. Keep up the good work! 🙂