Guest post by Jennifer Rice Of Sugarsoil
Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. It is as essential for life as eating or even breathing. Due to the stresses of modern life, people are getting used to functioning on less and less sleep. The detrimental effects of this go far beyond a cranky demeanor and black rings under the eyes. It is during this downtime where the body heals itself and where memory reconciliation takes place.
If a person consistently does not get the recommended amount of sleep in, the effects on the body are numerous. Depression, increased infection time, and over-eating can all be linked to sleep deprivation is some way. Not getting enough sleep can even make one more prone to cardiovascular diseases. It is well known that exercise and a bedtime routine increase the duration and quality of one’s sleep. But for some, these are simply not an option.
This is where the pharmaceutical industry steps in. This multinational, multimillion-dollar industry is always ready with some small yellow pill that will cure any ailment. But, medication is not always the answer. There are other, natural remedies and products which will ensure you get in your beauty rest. Here are 7 cost-efficient foods which may help you sleep.
- Walnuts
These nuts boast a high tryptophan content. Which is an important component in the production of serotonin and melatonin. Both of which are essential is the onset and quality of sleep.
- Almonds
While not only are almonds delicious and healthy, they contain magnesium. Magnesium has been linked to longer sleep as they help one remain asleep once one has entered the REM cycle.
- Cheese and crackers
At some point in your life, someone has probably given you a warm glass of milk to help you sleep, and it actually worked! Was this simply the placebo effect or is there some truth to it. Dairy products are known to be stocked with calcium which makes them good for bones and teeth. Calcium also aids in the reduction of muscle movement, and it increases the utilization of tryptophan in the brain. Meaning that consuming some form of dairy in the evening may actually help you sleep.
- Pretzels
Generally speaking, a high glycemic index is undesirable as it leads to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. The opposite is true in the case of sleep. An increase in blood glucose levels allows tryptophan to enter the brain thus allowing for the onset of sleep. Making pretzels a sleep-inducing evening snack.
- Fish
Halibut, tuna, and salmon all contain vitamin B6 which is needed for the production of melatonin and serotonin. Both of which are vital for sleep.
- Rice
This staple also has a high glycemic index which is known to aid in the inducement of sleep. According to a study, a bowl of starchy rice, 3 or 4 hours before bedtime, helps in inducing sleep. What better way to cure insomnia?!
- Cherries
The delicious berries are known to increase a person’s melatonin levels naturally. If this food is used to treat insomnia, it might give the results that you need.
Jennifer Rice
a lover of all things living and has dedicated her life to making a difference to all those who cross her path.
A passion for mind and body movement has led her into a long and successful career in pilates; teaching on a global scale, with clients in Canada, New Zealand, Dubai, LA, Jordan, and most recently Spain.
Her understanding of how the human body performs, combined with her extensive knowledge of nutrition and natural health therapies, allow Jennifer to be the complete wellness expert.
Not content to just help humans, Jennifer has a heart for animals and has been known to spend her time, when she isn’t working with clients or in her garden, at her local animal refuge center, donating her time to our furry or feathered friends in need.
A wanderlust spirit keeps Jennifer on the move and her worldly outlook on life brings a refreshing point of view; always with a smile and an open heart