The Nutrients That Can Help You Get Better Sleep

Not being able to get to sleep can be a waking nightmare, particularly if it carries on night after night.

When it comes to getting the nutrients you need to keep your body and sleep healthy, remember this: food first.

Of course, there are occasions to strategically add in some smart supplementation to help fill in the nutritional gaps and get things back in line from a lifetime of deficiency, but the reason food is so paramount to getting these nutrients is that your body has evolved to “recognize” the nutrients that it can extract from whole foods.

There’s no guarantee that your body is going to readily assimilate the vitamin C from a supplement just because the pill bottle says it’s in there. Your cells and healthy gut bacteria are more likely to play nicely with real food than any fancy supplement.

So what should you be eating to ensure a great night’s rest? Here are some of the most important good-sleep nutrients and the best foods to find them in:

Vitamin C

Some research suggests that people with low blood levels of vitamin C have more sleep issues and are more prone to waking up during the night.

Excellent sources of vitamin C are superfoods like acerola cherry, as well as more everyday foods like bell peppers, green leafy vegetables, kiwifruit, strawberries, citrus fruits, and papaya.

Vitamin D

The ‘sunshine vitamin’ is thought to influence both sleep quality and quantity, and studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with less sleep overall and also, with more disrupted sleep.

While the majority of our vitamin D is made through exposing the skin to sunlight, small quantities can be found in oily fish, egg yolks and fortified foods.

Melatonin

A hormone naturally produced in the body, melatonin helps determine sleep and wake cycles. Light affects its production, with levels normally rising in the evening, remaining high during the night, and dropping in the early morning.

Very small amounts of melatonin are found in meat, grains, and fruit and vegetables.

Iron

Being iron deficient can lead to restless leg syndrome, where people feel they constantly have to move their legs when they go to bed, making it hard to fall asleep. Iron-deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping.

Iron-rich foods include liver, nuts, dark chocolate, beef, lamb, beans, whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables, or you can buy iron tablets.

Calcium

As well as strengthening bones and teeth, calcium helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture melatonin, which induces sleep. This explains why a glass of warm milk is thought to help you get to sleep, as dairy products contain both tryptophan and calcium.

Magnesium

Known for its ability to relieve insomnia, magnesium helps you release tension and relax, preparing you for sleep. One study found the mineral, which can be found in foods including dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, and whole grains, helps decrease the stress hormone cortisol that can keep you awake.

Vitamin E

This antioxidant helps combat restless leg syndrome, thus making it easier for sufferers to fall asleep. Studies have also shown it can help relieve hot flushes and night sweats for menopausal women, and improve sleep quality. It’s found in many foods, including dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish and fruit.

B vitamins

Research suggests good levels of vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12 may help achieve good sleep, as they help regulate the body’s level of the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the body produce sleep-inducing melatonin.

B vitamins are found in many foods, including fortified foods.

Valerian

Used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans as a sedative and anti-anxiety treatment, valerian root is thought to increase the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a compound in the brain that prevents transmission of nerve impulses. If used over an extended period, valerian can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.

Chamomile

The herb chamomile is usually drunk in a tea and has been used for centuries to help with sleep and reducing anxiety. There’s little research to prove its effectiveness though.

Theanine

An amino acid found in green tea, studies show that while theanine, which is available as a supplement, isn’t a sedative, it does significantly improve sleep quality through its calming effects.

Selenium

A deficiency in selenium could play a role in sleep abnormalities. It’s also critical for your immune system function and thyroid function.

With selenium, a little bit can go a long way. Great sources are Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, beef, oysters, chicken, and cremini mushrooms.

Once your body is packed full of the right nutrients, make sure you lay it down on the best mattress in the world. The WHISPER comes with a 100-night risk-free trial so what are you waiting for? Get yours today!