Other than supplements, there's a host of ways what you consume can impact your sleep
How Your Diet Can Impact Your Sleep
We all know that a late-night coffee or a sugary dessert can keep us tossing and turning. But the relationship between what we eat and how we sleep goes way deeper than that. Let’s dig into some of the key ways your diet can make or break a good night’s rest.
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Macronutrient Balance Matters
Diets that are low in fiber and high in saturated fat and sugar have been linked to less restorative sleep. On the other hand, eating enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs can support better sleep quality. The timing and composition of your evening meal can even influence how quickly you fall asleep and how deeply you rest. -
Certain Foods Help You Sleep
Some foods naturally promote sleep. For example, foods high in tryptophan (like turkey, dairy, and nuts) can boost the production of melatonin and serotonin, hormones that regulate your sleep cycle. Complex carbs (like whole grains) help tryptophan reach your brain, while foods rich in magnesium (leafy greens, seeds) can help your muscles relax. -
Foods That Can Hurt Sleep
Caffeine is the obvious culprit, but it’s not just in coffee—chocolate, some teas, and even certain sodas and ice creams can contain enough caffeine to disrupt sleep. Alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, but it reduces sleep quality and can cause you to wake up during the night. High-sugar and high-fat foods, especially when eaten late, can also interfere with your body’s ability to enter deep, restorative sleep stages. -
Meal Timing Plays a Role
Eating large or heavy meals right before bed can lead to discomfort and indigestion, making it harder to fall asleep. Conversely, going to bed hungry can also disrupt sleep. The sweet spot? Aim to finish your last meal two to three hours before bedtime. -
Sleep and Diet Are a Two-Way Street
Interestingly, not getting enough sleep can change your appetite and cravings the next day, making you more likely to reach for high-calorie, sugary foods. So, it’s not just that diet affects sleep—your sleep habits can shape your diet, too.
The bottom line: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet with mindful meal timing can set the stage for better sleep. Want to sleep better? Start by taking a closer look at what’s on your plate.
And call us bias, but Full Moon is a great way to help you get that perfect 8 hours in bed!