Insomnia: Foods to eat

Foods for insomnia

Cherries

Cherries are among the few known food sources of melatonin, the hormone known to influence circadian rhythms and sleep. When the sleep disturbance is causes by change in environment and time zone, such as in jet lag, melatonin may help promote a restful sleep. Although melatonin is commercially available as a supplement, it would not hurt if you will opt for the natural cure.

Grapes

Grapes are another fruit that may contain melatonin, this is according to the study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture's summer 2006 issue. Aside from playing an important part role in the sleep-wake patterns, melatonin and has antioxidant properties. Investigators reported that the grape varieties which have high content of melatonin are: Nebbolo, Merlot, Cabernet Savignon, Sangiovesse and Croatina.

Dairy Products

Dairy products contain the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes the production of the serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is used by the brain to make neurotransmitters that induce sleep. Have one glass of warm milk an hour before going to bed.

Bananas

Bananas contain tryptophan, a natural sleep aid which is thought to work by promoting relaxation. Including banana in your daily diet may help you sleep at night. Aside from helping you sleep, the nutrient in bananas are also helpful for other health problems.

References:

Trott, B.,Are cherries the new wonder fruit?**** MSNBC 2009

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6124646/

Lagorio, C., Grapes May Help With Sleep CBS News Health. 2006

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/19/health/webmd/main1729642.shtml

Holden, J. Nutrient Data Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service.". United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata (http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata). Retrieved 2009-10-24.