INSIGHT Magazine January 2015 | Page 20

Foods That Help You Sleep Better Milk - A glass of warm milk has always been a bedtime staple, and for good reason. It’s loaded with calcium, which not only helps your muscles relax; it also regulates your body’s production of melatonin. Plus, milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is the precursor to serotonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and a feeling of calm. Enjoy a glass of milk – it’s extra soothing when it’s warm – before bedtime, or drink a glass if you wake up during the night. Walnuts - These tasty tree nuts contain melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle. In addition, they provide a helping of tryptophan, which converts to melatonin in your body. Enjoy a handful of walnuts an hour or so before bedtime, and enjoy a restful night. Cheese - Like all dairy products, cheese contains calcium, which helps relieve stress and relax muscles, along with regulating your body’s production of melatonin. With so many cheeses to choose from, you can enjoy a different variety each night. Limit yourself to a few small cubes, or two or three slices of cheese on whole-wheat crackers. Bananas - Sweet, portable, inexpensive and loved by just about everyone – what’s not to like about bananas? Even better, they pack a hefty punch of magnesium and p