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| Stressful, busy days and the constant bombardment of technology can make it difficult to shut off the outside world and get to bed. Instead of reaching for that Ambien or Tylenol PM pill to knock yourself out, try eating a light meal with carbohydrates and tryptophan. According to Nutritionist Kelly Aronica, a snack within an hour of bedtime with carbohydrates and tryptophan can boost serotonin levels(which helps you sleep) in your body making you ready for bed. (Photo Credit: iStockphoto) |
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| A good snack to have before bedtime because it combines carbohydrates with protein. (Photo Credit: Vegetarian Times) |
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| A great food because it’s about half carbohydrates and half protein. (Photo Credit: Maryse Chevriere) |
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| Eat this with some pita for a perfect mix of both protein (from the chickpeas) and carbohydrates. (Photo Credit: Jess Kapadia) |
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| Has tryptophan, and there's also the soothing aspect of sipping a warm beverage. (Photo Credit: DIY Delicious) |
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| Contain tryptophan, melatonin, seratonin, and magnesium, which can act as a muscle relaxant. Try them with some peanut butter and toast. (Photo Credit: Istock/Dcddr) |
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| Have both tryptophan and magnesium, so you could also try adding these to your oatmeal. (Photo Credit: Flickr/HealthAliciousNess) |
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| Contain melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. These are the sour ones used in pies, not so much the sweet Bing cherries that you can eat plain. (Photo Credit: Istock/chas53) |
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| Valerian: 600 milligrams an hour before bedtime helps some people, but give it a full month to be effective. Melatonin: Is a hormone that works for short term sleep issues such as those from jet lag or for people whose circadian rhythms are out of whack. It doesn't seem to be super effective for other kinds of insomnia. |
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| Is very safe, and though it won't put you to sleep like a sleeping pill will, it's relaxing and gentle. (Photo Credit: Istock/eAlisa) |
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