Sleep Better by Eating Smarter: How to Eat Yourself to Sleep!

We all know the phrase, "Abs are made in the kitchen." But what about sleep? Surprise: That, too, is made in the kitchen! What we eat plays a major role in determining how well we sleep.

Waking up tired despite eight hours of sleep? 

Maybe it’s not just because you binged that TV show until midnight. The real culprit could be what you ate the day before. If your dinner consisted of sugar, fat, and a pinch of regret instead of vitamins and fiber, your body might respond with an extra-long fatigue mode.

And it gets worse: Lack of sleep leads to poor food choices. Instead of a balanced meal, you're more likely to throw a frozen pizza in the oven—followed by a giant tub of Ben & Jerry’s, because, well, “why not?” Unfortunately, your body also struggles to process sugar properly when sleep-deprived, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems in the long run. A vicious cycle!

Which foods help with sleep?

Good news: Some foods actually promote better sleep! Besides fatty (and often rather pungent) fish, cherries and kiwis are small but mighty sleep aids. Nuts, beans, and leafy greens also help you drift off faster. And while dairy products get a bad rap in many diets, they’re actually sleep-friendly—so feel free to reach for cheese, milk, and eggs.

What to avoid before bedtime:

• Coffee or alcohol right before sleep (shocking, right?)

• A “small” slice of chocolate cake that somehow turns into half the cake

• Fried, greasy, or overly spicy food—unless you enjoy battling heartburn at 3 a.m.

• Skipping dinner—your stomach will wake you up with a hunger protest in the middle of the night

  
  

The golden rules for better sleep:

1. Eat a balanced diet with carbs, healthy fats, and proteins

2. Fruits and vegetables are your best friends

3. Stick to regular mealtimes

4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime

5. Say no to heavy, fatty, or sugary meals late at night

   
   

Eat wisely, sleep better! So next time, swap that soda for a handful of cherries—your well-rested future self will thank you.