Being awake when the rest of the world is asleep is extremely frustrating especially when you have to rise early for work in the morning. Would you be surprised to know that up to thirty three per cent of Irish people suffer from frequent insomnia? Us ladies are also more likely to battle with sleep than our male counterparts. Lucky for you, we’ve been researching some five great foods to help you drift off to the land of nod so that you can get your beauty sleep.
Cherries
Cherries are a great way to prepare your body for a good night’s sleep. They contain melatonin, a chemical that helps regulate your sleeping pattern. As cherries are only in season during the summer months you can achieve the same melatonin fix by scoffing on some grapes.
Chickpeas and Toast
We love chickpeas especially in a warm toasted pita bread. Lucky for us, chickpeas and on toast is perfect food to help you drift off to sleep. Toast is great because it regulates your blood sugar and chickpeas are high in vitamin B6. Together they are sure to get you snoring.
Porridge
Traditionally a morning meal, porridge can actually help you finally get to sleep. It gives your blood sugar a boost before bed which triggers the production of insulin and other sleep-inducing chemicals.
Yogurt
We’ve all heard the old trick of warm milk before bed but in actual fact most dairy products will help you get to sleep easier. It has been suggested that people who are calcium deficient find it harder to sleep than those who are not. As yogurt is full of calcium it is perfect before bed.
Bananas
Bananas are high in vitamin B6, which the body needs in order to produce melatonin and it is important for sleep. Fish such as salmon or tuna also contain vitamin B6 and are great ingredients to add to any insomniac’s diet.
