Ready to Discover the Key Ingredient To Restful Sleep?
Sleep is the core pillar of health, vitality, and longevity. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, it's often the first health habit that we sacrifice. Whether it's due to hectic schedules, travel, exposure to artificial light, or erratic work hours, many of us find ourselves deprived of restful night's sleep. But did you consider that what you eat may play a role in how you sleep and, on the flip side, how your sleep quality plays a role in what you eat? The key ingredient to restful sleep is nutrition, specifically nutrient dense foods that promote quality sleep.
The link between nutrition and sleep is undeniable. When we prioritize nutrient dense foods over junk, we prioritize nourishing our bodies and as a domino effect we prioritize quality sleep. Conversely, poor nutrition fueled with caffeine, sugar, and processed carbs can disrupt sleep and leave us feeling fatigued, moody, and hungry too.
Consider the impact of melatonin-rich foods on sleep quality. For example, my favorite and naturally highest foods in melatonin are tart cherries and pistachios. Cool right? Not only do these food gems promote quality sleep but also possess anti-inflammatory properties that aid in your overall health quality. Similarly, supplements like vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc can play crucial roles in melatonin production, facilitating better sleep when consumed in adequate amounts.
So what you eat matters, but also when you eat matters when it comes to getting a restful night's sleep. Contrary to popular belief, consuming a small complex carbohydrate snack a few hours before bedtime can actually promote better sleep. Foods like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or whole wheat toast can help regulate blood sugar levels and induce a state of satiety and calm, both of which are conducive to restful sleep. Give it a try and see if it works for you, if you sleep better you have your answer.
Understanding how sleep impacts your food choices is equally important. Sleep deprivation disrupts hormone levels, leading to increased cravings for sugary and carb-heavy foods. This vicious cycle perpetuates poor dietary habits and further exacerbates sleep disturbances.
By prioritizing sleep and forming a night routine that you look forward to at the end of the day, along with nutritional choices that consist of nutrient dense foods like ones mentioned above, you can break free and optimize your sleep quality, without expensive supplements, medication, CBT, adaptogens and other modalities. Natural way is the best to start and after a few night's assess if it's working or not for you. Consider incorporating melatonin-rich foods, be intentional with supplements you choose to add, and/or adjusting meal timings. These are small changes that have helped my clients dial in their sleep and improve their overall wellbeing. Once you reclaim your sleep, your energy improves and you are able to move more often, which leads to better food choices and before you know you're creating lasting health habits that support your longevity and nourish you. Remember that your body is always communicating, the question is are you listening?
In conclusion, the interplay between nutrition and sleep underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health, to address the root cause means to listen to your body and adapt to your lifestyle, your body type, to your ways. If you're want a good night's sleep but don't know where to start, let's team up. As your personal coach, we will create a 30day plan for better sleep, that you can implement tonight for a good nights sleep to help you reach all your other health goals. Say hello to a healthier and happier you! CLICK HERE to learn more.