Sleeplessness is tough to deal with. Although sleeping pills work in the short term, they can wreak havoc on your sleeping pattern [1] when taken for prolonged amounts of time — leaving you worse off than when you started. Sleep issues like insomnia and fragmented sleep [2] vary in severity, so if your lack of rest isn't serious enough to require medical or intervention, there are holistic ways to improve your chances of getting a better night's sleep.
One natural sleep aid that many turn to is melatonin [3]. Despite melatonin being a natural sleep aid, taking too much of the supplement [4] can have adverse effects. A great way to reap the sleep-regulating benefits of melatonin without overdoing it is by enriching your diet with foods that contain the compound for a safe top up. Read on for seven foods that should be on your menu if you're suffering from sleep issues.
- Cherries
- Bananas
- Oats
- Ginger
- Tomatoes
- Barley
- Pineapples
