When thinking about your sleep schedule there are several things that can affect it. Many people think of working out or caffeine usage but do not take food into consideration. There are foods that can help you fall asleep and foods that may make it harder to fall asleep.

Food That Makes You Fall Asleep

Food is a small part of the many different elements that can help individuals fall asleep. The nutrients of the food you consume during the day/at night works in helping promote quality sleep. Some of the main nutrients that help sleep are tryptophan, the vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Some foods that you should add to your diet that will help you fall asleep are poultry, which contains tryptophan, fish, which contains B6, dairy, which contains calcium, bananas, which contain potassium, and nuts, which contain magnesium.

Becoming Sleepy After Eating

When it comes to becoming sleepy after eating, you want to aim for foods that contain the nutrients above, especially tryptophan. However, to become sleepy, you want to avoid a meal that contains a lot of carbohydrates, because your body is working harder to digest them, which can keep you awake. Also, avoid foods/drinks that are rich, spicy, contain alcohol, have caffeine, contain refined carbs, and foods that are high in fiber.  

Falling Asleep After Eating

Eating a meal that contains a high dose of fatty foods then laying down to sleep can cause effects on your body like stomach pains and bloating. You also should look to avoid foods that contain a lot of spice before you try to sleep, you may then experience painful indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux. Digestion is a body function that is supposed to happen while you are in an upright position, so giving your body a couple of hours to digest your last meal can help you avoid any pain you may feel when laying down. Another issue that people could run into when falling asleep so close to your last meal is nightmares. Nightmares can occur because your brain is so active, this is because of the high metabolism that could be in the food you are eating.

Know What Food Does to Your Sleep

Whatever you eat may affect your sleep. To fall asleep quickly go for foods high in tryptophan and stay away from carbohydrates. If you want to learn more about food and its correlation with sleep, or just better sleep-in general visit a professional at the Jacksonville Sleep Center today. Book an appointment or read other blog posts with tips and tricks here: https://jaxsleepcenter.com/