Five drinks that ensure a wonderful sleep

Sleeping tip

Everyone has their regular sleep routines. Some like to take a long, hot bath while others crawl into bed with their favourite book. Still others scroll on their Instagram or Facebook feed for a few more minutes. However, this is not really recommended.

There is one thing we can all add to our routine for a better night's sleep: a natural and calming drink, preferably an hour before you go to sleep. Unfortunately, we are not talking about a glass of wine or another alcoholic nightcap here…

Milk or almond milk

A glass of milk should help you relax. Besides tryptophan, milk is also high in calcium. The first one is an amino acid that signals the brain to release serotonin to make you sleepy. The other one lowers stress in your body. Maybe you are lactose intolerant or perhaps you really don't like 'regular' milk? In that case, almond milk offers you an excellent alternative. Almonds also contain calcium and magnesium, which stimulate a good night’s sleep.

Almond milk proves to be an excellent alternative to regular milk as a sleep aid.

Banana smoothie

Bananas are packed with tryptophan, magnesium and potassium. The perfect cocktail to sleep better. For even greater results, you can mix your banana with almond milk and a spoonful of peanut butter to add even more tryptophan.

Honey

We can already hear you thinking "honey is not a drink, is it?". And that indeed, is true. Honey in itself is not a drink, but you can definitely add it to the previous suggestions to maximise the effect. The natural sugars in honey raise your body's insulin levels just enough to encourage tryptophan to be more easily absorbed by the brain.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile has been used as a sleep remedy for decades. The herb is said to have a mild calming effect on your body. So, besides stimulating sleep, it generally reduces your stress levels. So go ahead, feel free to make a cup. Most importantly, let the tea steep for a while. That way, you maximise its effect.

Cherries (cherry juice)

Cherries can improve the quality and duration of your sleep. The fruit produces the hormone melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Look for sour cherries, as they contain the highest dose of melatonin.

The choice is entirely up to you. If you are a real banana nut, you can definitely start adding the smoothie to your sleep routine. If you prefer some variety, you can mix our suggestions during the week or opt for more seasonal routines.

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