January 20, 2024: People are being urged to eat these nine foods before bed to help them warm and fall asleep quicker during the winter months.
Almonds, garlic and dark chocolate can reportedly warm up your body and help you get a good night’s sleep, according to sleep experts.
Rebecca Swain, sleep expert at Winstons Beds, said: “Getting a good night’s sleep in the winter cold can be difficult to attain so we’re left looking for ways to get instantly warm and sleep quicker.
“We’re often left bundling ourselves in thick pyjamas and heavy duvets but this can cause overheating and result in a sweaty sleep, so don’t be surprised if you’re waking up drenched in the middle of the night.
“Eating certain foods before bed like dark chocolate, garlic and oats can help provide a comfortable, stable warmth to allow for a cosy night’s sleep.”
What is the best temperature to sleep in?
The temperature of your room and body has a considerable impact on your sleep, according to The Sleep Foundation.
The optimum room temperature for sleeping is approximately 18.3C.
The experts at The Sleep Foundation added: “This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius for the most comfortable sleep”.
But if you want to avoid spending a fortune on your heating bill or being trapped under a million blankets, the expert team at Winstons Beds have shared some advice.
From salmon to oats, here are nine food products you can eat before bed to help keep you warm and get a better night’s sleep.
What should you eat before bed to keep you warm and fall asleep quicker?
Salmon
Salmon is known to be high in omega-3 which can help support blood circulation and provide warmth before hitting the pillow. Mackerel is also another viable option if salmon isn’t your forte.
Root vegetables
Carrots, potatoes and parsley are some of the root vegetables encouraged to eat in dishes before letting your meal digest for a couple of hours, and getting into bed.
Bananas
Bananas are packed with vitamins and nutrients which help you to relax and you could benefit from this before heading to sleep. They also contain magnesium which can work as a natural muscle relaxant.
Warm milk
You might remember being encouraged to have a warm glass of milk before bedtime as a child – well, it’s because it helps you wind down for bed and can help you relax and get to sleep quickly thanks to the tryptophan.
Herbal tea
Hot peppermint, hibiscus and sage tea are some of the viable options that’ll provide a comfortable warmth before getting into bed.
Garlic
Whilst also being a powerful deterrent for battling seasonal flu and colds, raw garlic is an all-rounder and has been credited for its warming properties and antioxidants. A garlic soup recipe will keep you warm for the night.
Oats
While oats are a great source of fibre and great for digestive troubles, they can also help you relax wind down and get a good night’s sleep.
Almonds
Almonds are a perfect example of getting healthy fats in your diet, and they can help you retain body heat, which will help sudden awakenings in the night from being too cold.
Dark chocolate
The coffee contents in dark chocolate can provide a warm sensation to make you feel more relaxed when it comes to sleep.
