Foods to Help Insomnia

When treating any type of sleep disorder, what you eat as part of your overall diet is extremely important. If you suffer from insomnia, it may be the result of your body not producing enough melatonin or serotonin to allow you to get an adequate amount of sleep. There are specific foods that can help stimulate your body's production of these chemicals, allowing your body and mind to relax and sleep.

Walnuts

Walnuts, almonds and other raw nuts make a snack that is both filling and healthy. Nuts are loaded with vitamin E, selenium and zinc. They also contain a balanced mix of good carbohydrates and protein, making a 1 oz. serving a healthy choice for you if you are trying to lose weight or count carbs. Walnuts are a good food for insomniacs as they provide a source or melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain that promotes sleep. Melatonin also contains natural antioxidants, helping your body protect itself from cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Cherries

Like walnuts, cherries are a source of melatonin. The antioxidants that are found in fresh, frozen or dried cherries provide you with a boost of melatonin, which will allow you to sleep better, especially when you are suffering from insomnia. To get the most benefit out of cherries, eat a bowl about one hour before you are ready to lie down at night. By the time you are ready for bed, the melatonin should be kicking in, allowing you to fall asleep quickly and easily.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a good bedtime snack as they are loaded with magnesium, which is used by your body to help it calm down for the night. Magnesium is used to release stress from the body, which may be responsible for making you stay awake. A 1 oz. serving contains more than 140 mg of magnesium, making pumpkin seeds one of the foods with the highest amount of magnesium per ounce.

Bananas

Like pumpkin seeds, bananas provide a good source of magnesium, which works as a completely natural muscle relaxer. Bananas are also the perfect source of serotonin and melatonin. When you combine all three elements, you are able to deliver a knockout punch to insomnia. Bananas are easily digested by your body, so you can eat them before bed without having to worry about upsetting your stomach.