11 Bedtime Snacks to Help You Fall Asleep
11 Bedtime Snacks to Help You Fall Asleep
If you’re one of the many Americans who have trouble falling asleep at night, some minor dietary changes may help. Eating a large meal before bed is just asking for digestive trouble that can keep you awake but small, balanced snacks pre-bedtime could actually help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep.
The best snacks are a balanced mix of protein and complex carbs, so don’t load up on sweets and starches. It’s ideal for both sleep and weight loss to eat your main meal earlier in the evening, at least four hours before bedtime. A healthy snack before bed will curb hunger pains and keep your body fueled overnight.
Of course, a few puffs of your favorite indica strain will also promote restful sleep and may stimulate those before bed cravings, so here are our favorite healthy bedtime snack recommendations:
Nut Butter on Whole Wheat Toast – One slice of whole-grain bread spread with your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, get creative!)
Fruit and Peanut Butter – Spread apple or banana slices with peanut butter. Not into fruit? Try celery boats.
Goat Cheese and Pears or Apples – A balanced snack that can crush sugar cravings.
Yogurt Parfait with Granola – Alternate layers of low-fat yogurt and granola for another sweet-tooth satisfier. Sprinkle with berries or other fresh fruit on top.
Air-Popped Popcorn – High fiber popcorn is filling and good for the digestion. Dress it up with a light dusting of curry powder or nutritional yeast. Stay away from microwave popcorn.
Cottage Cheese and Fruit – High protein cottage cheese can be enhanced with a sprinkle of cinnamon and some diced apples or peaches. Or skip the cinnamon and add fresh strawberries.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups – Easy to make with lunchmeat and cheese, simply roll up and spear with a toothpick to keep them in place.
Honey Mustard Ham Lettuce Wraps – Similar to turkey and cheese roll-ups, spread a little honey mustard on a few pieces of deli ham, roll with lettuce and enjoy!
Trail Mix – Not the kind packed with chocolate pieces, but trail mix full of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit!
Cheese and Crackers – An anytime classic, try aged cheddar, whole-grain crackers and a little fruit spread for sweetness.
Crispy Rice – A recent study showed eating rice could improve sleep by nearly 46%! Rice helps the production of melatonin and tryptophan. Check out this recipe which uses leftover rice to create a base you can top with sweet or savory toppings.
What snacks should you avoid? Stay away from sweets and high-sugar treats which can raise blood sugar levels as well as spicy or greasy food which may lead to indigestion. Don’t drink alcohol before bed. It may help you fall asleep, but you’ll be waking up a lot throughout the night.
Looking for some great indica and hybrid strain recommendations? We’ve got them! Check out our inventory online now and order for later pick-up or come by and let our staff show you what’s new.