According to a study involving medical students, the odds of having good sleep quality were 6.6 times higher in those who consumed these pulses
Research suggests that the high glycaemic index of rice (which means it releases sugar quickly) makes it good for inducing sleep.
Cottage cheese on crackers or crispbread is an ideal bedtime snack, providing a balance of tryptophan and carbohydrate.
Another tryptophan/carb combo to transport you to slumberland is protein-rich Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
Chamomile tea is an age-old sleep remedy, which researchers have found could help stressed new mothers beat the blues and sleep more efficiently over the short-term.
Another traditional herbal sleep aid, passionflower has some research backing. In a seven-day study, 41 adults who drank a cup of passionflower tea before bed rated their sleep quality significantly better.
Eating a couple of kiwi fruit one hour before bed resulted in people nodding off 42% quicker and enjoying 13% more time asleep according to a recent small trial.
Bean sprouts and spinach contain good amounts of GABA – a chemical that increases alpha waves in the brain, according to research. Alpha wave action is associated with sleep and relaxation.
Try adding crushed lemon balm leaves to olive oil or chicken soup, or make a soothing tea by infusing the leaves in hot water. Lemon balm grows easily in a patio container or on a windowsill.