[su_note note_color=”#ffe3e6″]This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other Amazon websites.[/su_note]
We have probably heard it a million times by now: “Don’t go to bed just after eating dinner!”. When young we used to think that there seemed to be some sort of mythical, esoteric reason for this that would have us feeling terrible and diseased in the morning after we transgress such maxim. But, is there really a reason as to why?
Yes, sleeping right after eating creates digestive problems in your body because the human body processes food most optimally when standing in an upright position. That’s it. But this is also food-dependent. If you consume the right foods and then go to sleep, you’ll wake up just fine, possibly even better, then if you just ate nothing at all. The best food to take before bed might even help you in your weight loss efforts, be sure to check them out.
Ladle of Contents
What are the best foods for sleep?
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Almonds |
| This recommendation came from Siddhi Panchal from Cooking with Siddhi, you can find out more about Siddhi Panchal here, or read more about their recommendation of Almonds below. |
 |
| These nuts are a great source of minerals and nutrients. And they also contain the sleep regulating hormone called melatonin, which helps you sleep better. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Bananas |
| This recommendation came from Siddhi Panchal from Cooking with Siddhi, you can find out more about Siddhi Panchal here, or read more about their recommendation of Bananas below. |
 |
| This is one of the best energy booster foods and also helps you sleep because of its magnesium content that helps relax the muscles. It also contains, serotonin and melatonin, which also help you sleep better. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Milk |
| This recommendation came from Siddhi Panchal from Cooking with Siddhi, you can find out more about Siddhi Panchal here, or read more about their recommendation of Milk below. |
 |
| This is the evergreen before-sleep food and is an absolute must have. It is a rich source of calcium and tryptophan that ensures a sound sleep. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Grape Fruit |
| This recommendation came from Siddhi Panchal from Cooking with Siddhi, you can find out more about Siddhi Panchal here, or read more about their recommendation of Grape Fruit below. |
 |
| Why not allow your body to burn some fat, while you sleep? Yes, grape fruit does that as it contains resveratrol, an antioxidant, which drives the calorie burning process by converting calorie storing fat into calorie burning fat. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Apple |
| This recommendation came from Jacquie Smiles from Dr. Jacquie Smiles, you can find out more about Jacquie Smiles here, or read more about their recommendation of Apple below. |
 |
| The best food before bedtime is an apple with the skin on. The fibrous content in apples cleans teeth by acting as a toothbrush by scrubbing away plaque from your teeth. The acidity in apples also helps kill off bad bacteria that cause bad breath. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Peanut butter sandwiches |
| This recommendation came from Daniel Driggs from Best Company, you can find out more about Daniel Driggs here, or read more about their recommendation of Peanut butter sandwiches below. |
 |
| These are full of carbs and proteins that will put weight on quickly. I recommend eating 2 of these each night for rapid weight gain. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Protein Shakes |
| This recommendation came from Daniel Driggs from Best Company, you can find out more about Daniel Driggs here, or read more about their recommendation of Protein Shakes below. |
 |
| Look for high protein protein shakes with low amounts of sugar. Although sugar may make it taste better, it is not helpful and will keep you awake throughout the night causing a hormone imbalance and serious health issues. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Oatmeal |
| This recommendation came from Paul Bromen from UponaMattress, you can find out more about Paul Bromen here, or read more about their recommendation of Oatmeal below. |
 |
| I’ve been struggling with waking up at night. That’s embarrassing for someone who runs a sleep research website. While searching for an answer, I realized that they could be caused by my eating patterns. I was experimenting with not eating after 6 PM. This was causing my blood sugar levels to crater overnight causing my stress levels to rise and wake me up. To combat this I’ve been eating oatmeal before bed. The complex carbohydrates and fiber make sure that my body has fuel overnight. Additionally, like a cup of tea, warm oatmeal relaxes me and the extra carbs help me fall asleep faster. It’s been working to help me sleep and has become part of my sleep ritual. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Oats |
| This recommendation came from Matt Hendriks from Whiskey & Wolves Co., you can find out more about Matt Hendriks here, or read more about their recommendation of Oats below. |
 |
| Oats are a late evening miracle. The complex carbohydrates found in oats help to maintain ideal blood sugar levels in the body. Oats have also been found to promote melatonin which helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Pistachios |
| This recommendation came from Dr. Catherine Jackson from DrCCJ, you can find out more about Dr. Catherine Jackson here, or read more about their recommendation of Pistachios below. |
 |
| They are rich in melatonin and one serving can have as much melatonin as a supplement. They also help improve brain functioning. Eating nuts helps strengthen brainwave activity, learning and memory. Eat a handful of pistachios before bed for a good night’s sleep and for improved brain health. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Walnuts |
| This recommendation came from Dr. Catherine Jackson from DrCCJ, you can find out more about Dr. Catherine Jackson here, or read more about their recommendation of Walnuts below. |
 |
| Walnuts also have melatonin and is rich in magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Magnesium helps reduce stress hormones and inflammation. It’s also one of the top recommended nuts for brain health because it helps improves cognitive functions. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Chamomile Tea |
| This recommendation came from Dr. Catherine Jackson from DrCCJ, you can find out more about Dr. Catherine Jackson here, or read more about their recommendation of Chamomile Tea below. |
 |
| Has been known to be relaxing and promote sleep. It also helps improve overall sleep. |
[/su_table]
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”no”]
Pumkin seeds |
| This recommendation came from Dr. Eugene Charles from Charles Seminars, you can find out more about Dr. Eugene Charles here, or read more about their recommendation of Pumkin seeds below. |
 |
| They contain high levels of zinc—which are necessary for optimal pineal gland function in making melatonin—and are high in tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, known as the sleep hormones. Finally, it is high in fiber and helps my patients immensely with their morning bowel movement. |
[/su_table]
[su_box title=”Who contributed to this article?” style=”noise” box_color=”#d26a3a” title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]
Siddhi Panchal from Cooking with Siddhi
Jacquie Smiles from Dr. Jacquie Smiles
Daniel Driggs from Best Company
Paul Bromen from UponaMattress
Matt Hendriks from Whiskey & Wolves Co.
Dr. Catherine Jackson from DrCCJ
Dr. Eugene Charles from Charles Seminars
[/su_box]
