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Nutrition for Sleep

Rachel Dreher / May 10, 2022

What nutrients do we need to fall asleep?

The process of falling asleep actually requires a lot of nutrients & hormones!        1. Melatonin                                                    2. Omega-3                                                      3. Vitamin D                                                    4. Magnesium                                                  6. Iron                                                                  According to sleep specialist Dr Breus going to bed hungry or going to bed full will interrupt sleep. But having a small snack that contains the nutrients listed above is the perfect solution to a bunch of zzz's.                                                                    Make sure to pair a fat or protein source if you have a carb source to avoid a blood glucose crash while asleep.
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Foods to eat to get Melatonin

Tart cherries or Kiwis with Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios or Cashews or Eggs with Asparagus or Broccoli
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Food to eat to get Omega-3 fats

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, or sardines, ground flaxseed or chia seeds (try it in a smoothie) or walnuts
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Foods to eat to get Vitamin D

Fatty fish, fortified dairy and nut milk products, egg yolks, or mushrooms
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Food to eat to get Magnesium

All legumes especially chickpeas, all nuts especially walnuts, avocados, whole grains, bananas & soy products.                  Try roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack or avocado toast!
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Foods to eat to get Iron

Spinach, oysters, sardines, beef, chicken, tofu or legumes especially lentils, white beans & chickpeas                                            Try some chicken nachos on bean chips like Beanitos!
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Food to eat to get Omega-3 fats

The process of falling asleep actually requires a lot of nutrients & hormones!        1. Melatonin                                                    2. Omega-3                                                      3. Vitamin D                                                    4. Magnesium                                                5. Serotonin                                                    6. Iron                                                                  According to sleep specialist Dr Breus going to bed hungry or going to bed full will interrupt sleep. But having a small snack that contains the nutrients listed above is the perfect solution to a bunch of zzz's
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