Does A Banana Before Bed Really Work?

Who doesn’t love a good banana? They’re sweet and delicious. But have you heard the rumor that they can help you sleep better?

Let’s take a look at that rumor a bit closer and see what we know.

Does A Banana Before Bed Really Work?

So, do bananas really help you sleep better at night?

Actually, yeah. They do.

Bananas are a great source of magnesium, potassium, and other goodies that can help you relax before heading to bed. Potassium specifically helps relax your muscles so you physically feel nice and chill, even if you’re stressing over other things.

Bananas also have some tryptophan in them. You’ve might’ve seen a Buzzfeed Thanksgiving article mention tryptophan before. It’s an amino acid that converts into serotonin and melatonin in your body. Those are the happy, sleepy chemicals that make it EZ to relax and catch some much-needed zzzs.

So if you’re looking for something less in-your-face than a melatonin gummy, but wanting some help getting that REM sleep, maybe try a banana.

Just be mindful of their sugar content.

Are Bananas A Good Late Night Snack?

Bananas are a type of fruit, obviously. So they’re probably not that bad for you. But there are some things to take into consideration before downing one right before bedtime. Bananas have a high sugar content and low water content compared to lots of other fruits. They’re also high on the glycemic index in comparison

So what does that mean for you? Well, if you’re healthy and eat an appropriate amount of foods, probably not much. It just means it might take your body a little longer to run out of blood glucose and start burning fat, but it’s not a big deal.

But if you’re prediabetic or diabetic, eating bananas is probably not the best idea.

Of course, there are way worse things you could eat before bed... but there may be some better options, too.

What Other Foods Can Help You Sleep At Night?

We’ll save you the googling. If you’re looking for alternatives to bananas to help you get some all-natural zzzs, give one of these a try.

Almonds - Almonds are packed with phosphorus. magnesium, and riboflavin. They’re also great at absorbing water. So having a small handful of them with a glass of water will help you feel full until you drift off to sleep.

Chamomile Tea - Who doesn’t love something warm and soothing before going to bed? A good cup of tea is like a nice, hot shower for your stomach. Chamomile tea has a bunch of different antioxidants that help reduce inflammation (which makes you feel more comfortable) and promotes sleepiness.

Tart Cherries - If you really want a snack before bed and don’t think tea is gonna cut it, give some cherries a try. Tart cherries are also rich in magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, and other nutrients that’ll help you feel calm, relaxed, and ready for bed.

Maybe It’s What’s On The Outside That Counts

Sometimes the problem isn’t what’s inside, but what’s outside.

If you’re tossing and turning and having a hard time sleeping, maybe you’re missing the right mattress. Simmons mattresses can help provide the comfort you want with the support you need for a good night’s sleep.

With a new mattress, and maybe a banana, you’ll sleep great again.