If you’re having trouble sleeping, you might want to try a new midnight snack such as fruits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get seven or more hours of sleep per day.
However, 1 in 3 American adults (about 84 million people) aren’t getting enough uninterrupted sleep, according to SleepHealth.org. Consequently, about 50 to 70 million Americans have developed sleep disorders.
For the unfortunate few who suffer from poor sleep, there are a few sweet treats to try. Certain fruits can support a better night’s sleep thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, including melatonin and potassium, Panda London’s Sleep Expert Max Kirsten told HuffPost.
Regularly having one of the following fruits before bed can be beneficial to a good snooze:
Bananas
Bananas have many benefits, from boosting energy to reducing bloating, but a banana right before bed can work similarly to melatonin and help people get a quality dose, according to the Sleep Charity.
The yellow fruit has high levels of magnesium and potassium, both of which can relax muscles, as well as tryptophan, which is converted in the body into serotonin and can help calm the brain.
Cherries
As many on TikTok know, cherries—particularly tart cherries—can be a game changer for sleep. Tart cherry juice contains melatonin, which makes it a great natural way to boost a good snooze and duration, according to Healthline.
Tart cherry juice has become part of a viral trend where people make a concoction dubbed the “sleepy girl mocktail” to help them doze off.
Pineapple
According to EatingWell, pineapples contain melatonin, vitamin C, magnesium, and fibre, all of which can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
They also contain bromelain, which helps with muscle relaxation due to its anti-inflammatory properties and can ease you into a good snooze, Kirsten said.
Kiwi
Daily consumption of kiwi has been linked to improvements in both sleep quality and sleep quantity.
Vitamin C and higher serotonin levels will promote relaxation and are the perfect pre-bed snack.
Oranges
Speaking of vitamin C, the nutrient is almost synonymous with oranges. Plus, the natural sugars in this classic citrus can give your body and mind a boost just before bed, so you’ll be better primed to unwind.
Papaya
Eating papaya at night can have several benefits that improve sleep quality. One particular nutrient found in papaya that aids the body in sleep is choline, which also supports muscle movement, learning, and memory, according to Medical News Today.
Papaya also has both vitamins C and E, as well as folate and potassium, Kirsten noted. Potassium helps relax muscles and can help one get a deeper rest.
Apples
Kirsten said that the fibre and natural sugars in apples can help “prevent nighttime wakefulness.”
The ingredients can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve a person’s general mood and overall well-being.
