Food That Could Help You Sleep

September 29, 2008

We all know the myth behind turkey and sleepiness. Certain foods such as turkey contain an amino acid called tryptophan that causes sleepiness, potentially resulting in post-Thanksgiving dinner naps everywhere. There is some doubt over whether that is true. Some believe turkey doesn't contain enough tryptophan to be effective. But were you aware that other foods, like popcorn, may have a similar effect? The Internet-based wellness company Real Age's Food Bites blog has listed several foods that potentially increase sleepiness, such as a small slice of angel food cake topped with berries or half a cup of pasta topped with marinara sauce. The trick is to increase your carbohydrate intake. Carbs make tryptophan more available to the brain, which is why carbohydrate-heavy meals can make you drowsy. Proteins from the food we eat are the building blocks of tryptophan, which is why the best bedtime snack is one that contains both a carbohydrate and protein.

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