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Top 10 Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep
Top 10 Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep
The secret to getting a solid 7 to 8 hours? About 90 minutes before you want to nod off, head for the kitchen and make yourself a sleepy-time snack. Keep it light (around 200 calories), so you don’t overload your digestive system. And include one or two foods from the list below. All help to relax tense muscles, quiet buzzing minds, and/or get calming, sleep-inducing hormones -- serotonin and melatonin -- flowing. Yawning yet?
| 1. |
Bananas -- They’re practically a sleeping pill in a peel. In addition to a bit of soothing melatonin and serotonin, bananas contain magnesium, a muscle relaxant. |
| 2. |
Chamomile tea -- Chamomile is a staple of bedtime tea blends because of its mild sedating effect, which makes it the perfect natural antidote for restless minds and bodies. |
| 3. |
Warm milk -- It’s not a myth. Milk has some tryptophan, an amino acid that has a sedative-like effect, and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan. Plus, there’s the psychological throwback to infancy, when a warm bottle meant "relax, everything’s fine." |
| 4. |
Honey -- Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that’s linked to alertness. |
| 5. |
Potatoes -- A small baked spud won’t overwhelm your gastrointestinal tract as it clears away acids that can interfere with yawn-inducing tryptophan. To up the soothing effect, mash the potato with warm milk. |
| 6. |
Oatmeal -- Oats are a rich source of sleep-inviting melatonin, and a small bowl of warm cereal with a splash of maple syrup is cozy -- and if you’ve got the munchies, it’s filling, too. |
| 7. |
Almonds -- A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can send you snoozing because they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium. |
| 8. |
Flaxseeds -- When life goes awry, and feeling down is keeping you up, try sprinkling 2 tablespoons of these healthy little seeds on your bedtime oatmeal. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural mood lifter. |
| 9. |
Whole-wheat bread -- A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it’s converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs "time to sleep." |
| 10. |
Turkey -- It’s the best-known source of tryptophan, credited with all those Thanksgiving naps. But that’s actually modern folklore. Tryptophan works when your stomach’s basically empty rather than overstuffed and when there are some carbs around rather than tons of protein. But put a lean slice or two on some whole-wheat bread midevening and you’ve got one of the best sleep-inducers in your kitchen. |
What if none of these foods helps? Check out your sleep habits with this quick RealAge assessment to find out what’s keeping you up at night.
Lullaby Muffins Between the bananas, the whole wheat, and the light touch of sweetness, these muffins are practically an edible lullaby.
2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 large, very ripe bananas 1/3 cup applesauce 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup milk or soymilk
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the flour (make sure it’s whole-wheat pastry flour or you’ll produce golf balls, not muffins), salt, and baking powder. In a blender, puree the bananas; add the applesauce, honey, and milk. Blend well. Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Line muffin tins with paper muffin cups and pour in batter. Bake 30 minutes or until tops are lightly brown and slightly springy. Makes 12 low-fat muffins.
Nutrition Facts Per serving: 119 calories; 1g fat; 2.5g protein; 27g carbohydrate; 10g sugar; 133mg sodium; 3g fiber; 35mg magnesium
For tons of flavorful, healthful recipes, search the RealAge Recipe Box.
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: Comments (84)
Comments
Don't take that precription medicine!! soak your feet for about a half hour, then file down that nasty yellow stuff with a coarse file. Then use peroxide on the toes, or use a topical med..Oxistat- precription from your dr. you may have to keep filing for several weeks, depending on how much you have. it worked for me. Posted by: Donna | June 28, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Note on flaxseeds: the whole seed will not break down in your digestive system. Ground flaxseed can be digested. Posted by: Vickie | June 26, 2009 at 06:31 AM
please please is it possible to get rid of toe nail fungus? i have tried many remedies prescription pills, topical prescription, tea tree oil, vicks, etc.? Posted by: deanna hunt | June 17, 2009 at 10:54 PM
I'm a healthy 72yr..old but I have trouble sleeping..I take 6 grms of melatonin every night and yet some nights I have trouble getting any sleep..What can I do to change this..Thanks for any health...Toni P.S. I go to sleep every night at 11pm and get up at 7 a.m. also my favorite thing is going swing dancing on Friday nights.. Posted by: Toni | June 16, 2009 at 05:10 PM
I am a 59 year old african american female. I had open heart surgery (valve replacement) 18 years ago. I have been taking coumadin (warfarin) for 18 years. I am a diabetic and take byeeta, glucophage, I also take atenolol and diovan. I have sleep apnea, and back surgery
in December 2008. Please help me with a diet or tell me what i can or cannot eat.
Thank you Posted by: Patsy Ann LeBlanc | June 16, 2009 at 03:01 PM
I heard on the Oprah show, about an incredible improvement in a patient's eyesight that was so astounding that the doctor went on the man's diet. What was contained in that diet? Posted by: Albert Leroy Miller | June 03, 2009 at 09:58 PM
I take some amino acids just before bed. Something called arginine pyroglutamate.
I don't think it actually helps me go to sleep, but It keeps me from waking up at night. Posted by: Mr. Hemorrhoids | May 18, 2009 at 12:40 AM
I like reading those comments
as well as their health problems.But I think it is much better if the questions are accompanied by answers. Posted by: marieta ojeda | April 03, 2009 at 09:36 AM
I don't know why? But every time I eat kinchi,rice,fish and wash it down with a glass of beer, later in the afternoon, I seem to get a complete full sleep..Lou Posted by: Lou Delafuente | March 15, 2009 at 06:19 PM
I am wondering if you all are not receiving responses to your questions because this is just the comments section? At least on my pc it says if you have a question to send an email to feedback@realage.com. Now I don't know if this will help you get an answer to your concerns - but it certainly couldn't hurt. Good luck! Posted by: Sarah | March 04, 2009 at 01:12 PM
ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO I HAD A BAD SLIP.I WAS WHEREING DR SHOLLS SANDLE,S AND SLIIPED DOWN 15 SET,S OF STEPS AND MY TAILBONE IT EVERY STRP ON THE WAY DOWN,I HAVE BEED IN PAIN FOR ALL THESES YEARS AND HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING AND DOC PRES
,I,M SCARED 2 GET A OPP NOW BECAUSE THE DOC SAYS IS A 50/50 CHANCE THAT I STILL ALWAYS BE IN PAIN,AND WHERE THEY HAVE 2 CUT ME IS IN A VERY BAD SPOT.AND THAT THERE IS A CHANCE OF INFECTION CAN U HELP ME OUT THANK U LADY IN PAIN CANADA. Posted by: DR OZ | March 02, 2009 at 04:52 AM
dear dr oz,
i have wrtten many e.mails but didnt reply .pl i need ur help v badly ..i am having diabetic neouropathy .n feel lot of pain in my feet,cant sleep .all nite goes crying with pain ,otherthing is that my allheart arteiesr blocked pl help me i will always be grateful.
thanks ,waiting for ur reply Posted by: sheereen | February 25, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Can a person OD on vitamins? I was taking vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and zink. I fractured my radius and ulna and I wanted to make sure that I would heal properly. It seems that because I was taking so many vitamins I begin to get painful and debilitating back spasm. Please advise. Thank You.
Katherine Lee Posted by: Katherine Lee | January 18, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Dr. Oz, I would like to know if you ever answer any of the questions that are sent to you? And if you do how do you pick and how many? I have sent you many emails all with the same question and I have never heard from you. I was on your Oprah webcast the other nite and sent in 3 emails and nothing. I am almost begging you to contact me and I am really wondering if you do contact anyone? I love you for what you do and I want to thank you for all the wonderful information you give out but, you have never hit on my problem. Thanks. Posted by: Darlene | January 17, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Comment re 3rd article from top (Jan 12/09)from Linda re Osteopenia. At age 46 (female) I was diagnosed with Osteopenia. However, my Osteopenia was caused by a tumor in one of my PARATHYROID glands. Unfortunately, it was 6 years later until I was diagnosed with Primary Hyperparathyroidism. AND, along the way, I just kept getting sicker and sicker (one condition triggering another; the body is highly connected to itself) and my body was feeling like a walking dead body--I had no energy--directly caused by Primary Hyperparathyroidism--plus there were many other symptoms. My body was so ill it couldn't fight off an intestinal parasite, so it (DF) moved in and set up camp. I became sensitive to many foods. Chronic constipation also resulted because of the parathyroid problem--this led to pelvic prolapse (I do kegels for this; didn't choose surgery of any type). Parathyroid surgery in 2004--I had my life back immediately--it was like someone opened the curtains; turned on the light--I always want to remember that feeling!!! However, the surgery triggered gluten intolerance (non-celiac)and IBS had resulted re the parasite . . . Soooo, we fixed up the gluten intolerance with a strict gluten-free diet for life and also manage the IBS successfully. HOWEVER, 'the above' led to an extreme (painful) chronic hemorrhoid condition (in and out)---I finally resolved to have hemorrhoid stapling surgery (April 2007). That was a long difficult and extremely painful recovery. UNFORTUNATELY, that surgery (for me) triggered something else--that would be--CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)--mild to moderate. I am lucky with the degree, because it means that it is verry possible to recover--I am hopeful! However, at the present time, although more and more is being found out about CFS---there is NO known cure. The fatigue is debilitating and restrictive; I can't now work; I can only do a few things managing the house on a daily basis and my personal/social life is 'minimal'. What I really want to say is----MUCH of this could have been avoided had a simple blood test been done 10 years ago when I was 46 and diagnosed with Osteopenia. I am sharing ALL of this because I want to help others and help to bring about an awareness about the link between Osteopenia and Parathyroid disease--I mean--WHO has EVER heard of a PARATHYROID gland (regulates calcium and potasium)??!!! We hear a lot about 'thyroid'---well, the 4 parathyroid glands are right near the thyroid. Ohhhh, yesss, and without the proper diagnosis, I was directed to take massive amounts of calcium and also was put on Fosamax. Calcium supplements, in fact, added to the problem! AND there is no way that the Fosamax could fight the excessive parathyroid hormone--so I was unnecessarily exposed to harsh side effects from the Fosamax drug.
Dr. Oz, can we please help patients who are found with Osteopenia---let's get that inexpensive blood test done to rule out parathyroid disease. Thank you for hearing my story and best of health and taking care of our bodies to you all! Posted by: Susan | January 13, 2009 at 01:01 PM
just thank you for helping so many Posted by: Debra | January 13, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Dear Opara and Dr. Oz, I am a 48 year old women who has heart problems. I weigh 277 lbs. and need to lose 100 lbs.if I want to keep on living. I have try and try to lose and nothing has work. Please, please, help me! I'll do what ever it takes to lose this weight.Please help! help! mosscissy{ 01/11/09 at 1:19 pm central time} Posted by: mosscissy | January 12, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I am 45 with 5 children and at 33, was diagnosed with osteopenia. I have soy, shell-fish, iodine, red-dye allergies that prevent me from taking alot of supplements. If possible, I really prefer natural remedies, since prescriptions have so many side-effects. What do you suggest? My bones and joints are already starting to ache. Thank you so very much! Linda, Ohio Posted by: Linda | January 12, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Dr. Oz, I have had 3 different doctors give varying opinions of what they think is an optimal TSH level. What range do you find exceptable? Posted by: Susan Schmitz | January 11, 2009 at 09:21 PM
I have had lupus for 25 years major surgery every year for the last 23yrs i have 2 total knee replacements,2 total hip replacements,1 total shoulder replacement, i am about to tohavea revision of the tlhr. i have been on predisone as much as120 aday for over 20yrs where i have gained over 70 lbs iwant to have a life again & loseweight&get off medicine;help Posted by: r.hopkins | January 11, 2009 at 03:47 PM
I am 60 years old, I work as a bookkeeper (sit all day)
I am 10 pounds over weight.
All in my belly. How can I get rid of the belly fat.
I have no waist. Posted by: Teresa Ferguson | January 10, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Dr. Oz: I eat well, chicken and fish only, vegetables, fruits, whole wheat cereal and bread. I drink only water no sodas and tea. I take omega 3 supplements, multi vitamin, vitamin d and calcuim. I exercise and I can't lose not even a pound. I am thinking that I may have a problem with my thyroid? I have no system like Oprah stated. At what level should a normal thyroid be and what should I be asking my doctor. Posted by: Mirna Montanez | January 08, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Dear Dr. Oz:
I have a problem with belly fat...that is where I store my weight. I want to lose five to ten pounds of belly-fat this year 2009. What can I do in order to lose that belly-fat? Thank you, M.D. Posted by: M. D. Arth | January 08, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Hi Oprah and Dr. Oz,
I am a 40 year old female-- no medical problems except 1-2 weeks prior to my period I suffer with depression, anxiety, anger, and trouble sleeping. The rest of the month I feel great. This has been going on about 6 years after the birth of my 2nd son. Through pelvic ultra-sounds they have discovered that I have cysts on my ovaries that come and go with each period. My periods are fairly normal except for severe pain on either side depending if I have a cyst that month or not. I was told by my gynecologist that they do not test hormone levels because of PMS and that if you check hormone levels at different times of the month they would be different for each person. I have tried calcium supplements as well as anti-depression medication, neither has helped. I have been living like this for 6 years and I am not living MY BEST LIFE. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thank you. Posted by: SandI F. | January 08, 2009 at 06:46 AM
Hi Dr. Oz.
I was told my protein level in my water is 11.1 range and that I may need to take pills possible because this is possible sign of kidney problems. Can you give me any advise on ths? I eat lots of soy protein all day long because I don't eat meat, fish, chicken or turkey. Thank you. Posted by: Lillian | January 08, 2009 at 04:58 AM
HI DR.OZ MY DAUGHTER WAS TOLD BY RUMATOLEGIST SHE HAS LUPUS, SHE IS VERY YOUGH AND A NURSE IN WHITIER HOSPITAL SHE ALSO HAS 4 CHILDREN AND A VERY GOOD MOM. BUT SHE GETS VERY BAD PAIN IN HER RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. WHAT CAN SHE EAT,OR EXCERSIS,AS WELL AS THERAPYS CAN SHE GET. Posted by: MARIE CAMPBELL | January 08, 2009 at 12:28 AM
About a week before I get my period I get excrutiating gas pains in my abdomen. it is usually on the right side. I had surgery for Crohns disease about 22 years and have been free of it ever since. Any suggestions on what to do? sometimes the pain is so bad I think of going to th er. Posted by: Kelly | January 07, 2009 at 07:09 PM
I bought the KINOKI Cleansing Detox Foot Pads.
When I wear them to bed, I do have a substance on my feet the following morning.
Is it detoxing my body or is the packet on the little pad combined with the heat of my feet making the substance on my feet in the morning??? Posted by: Gayle | January 07, 2009 at 03:49 PM
my feet stay cold doctor says nothing wrong. but my husband says my body always feels like a block of ice. please help Posted by: tommygirl | January 07, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Dear Dr. Oz,
I watched Oprah's show on 1/6/09 and I have a question regarding Restless Leg Syndrom. I'm 61, have had it all of my life. I usually take my magnesium pills at night about 1 to 2 hrs before I go to sleep. I also use rubbing alcohol on my legs to try and stop the movement. Lately, none of the above is working. Help, it is interferring with my sleep. Posted by: Jo | January 07, 2009 at 02:20 PM
I have a question regarding taking my blood pressure. I get parinoid and refuse to take it. What is a good way to rid these feelings? Posted by: Dolores Lord | January 07, 2009 at 06:49 AM
I have had back pain for years which was compounded by an auto accident. I am prescribed tramidol and hydrocodone by my dr (which I take daily). I have a problem exercising and would like to know what exercises I can do that will not agrivate this condition. My weight problem is mostly my stomach but I can not do sit-ups. Please help. Posted by: LaWanda Holmes-Bey | January 07, 2009 at 12:11 AM
I wanted to share this with you. I was looking over Oprah website and saw this information on what is good to eat before going to bed.
I hope you're able to see what I am seeing.
Take care,
Deb Posted by: Dee Bridges | January 06, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Dr. Oz, I find it hard to fall asleep due to my COLD feet, no, really they ar super cold and even wearing socks won't warm them up, however when they do finally warm up it feels like they have frostbite. Throbbing and really unconfortable, What is the deal??? Am I crazy? thank you so much Posted by: linda Austin | January 06, 2009 at 06:10 PM
Dr. Oz: I am 50 and work out regularly, cardio and weights. My issue is consistent muscle soreness after workouts that last for days. I know that some of this comes with age but is there something I can do in addition to stretching to shorten my recovery after regular weight workouts. Thx. Posted by: Tamara Farrick | January 06, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Dr Oz
What can I do about my swollen feet? My doctor told me to use less salt which i have done but to no use. I have taken a physical and I am in good health. Posted by: Cynthia Griffith | January 06, 2009 at 05:38 PM
I need help not feeling old and tired, how do I do this? Posted by: Deborah Leigh | January 06, 2009 at 02:47 PM
i am loosing my hair ,can't sleep for straight six hours,anger problem,please help! Posted by: rajendra | November 08, 2008 at 10:02 PM
this is great Posted by: amanda | September 16, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Dr. Oz Green Drink Recipe
* 2 apples, cored
* 2 big handfuls of spinach
* 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
* 1 celery stick, chopped
* 1 thumbnail length of ginger root, peeled
* 1 lemon - juice only (use peel slice for zest)
* 1 medium cucumber
Place ingredients in a blender, add 4 oz. spring water or a handful of ice cubes, then puree quickly for one minute. Makes two glasses of Dr. Oz’s green drink.
The green drink has a strong taste and if you are used to drinking soda or sweet tea, the taste will take some getting used to sweeten.
Green drink - Optional ingredients:
* 2nd cucumber
* raw carrot
* unsweetened fruit juice
* banana
Posted by: Kathleen | August 29, 2008 at 07:31 AM
I also would like to have the directions for making the Green Magic Drink from Opra Show.
Thank You
Sara Posted by: Sara | August 27, 2008 at 11:26 AM
In May 2008, I was hospitalized for congestive heart failure due to a clogged artery (LDL)and a blood clot and fluid in my right lung. At first, I thought it was a cold with a dry cough. However, when edema set into my feet, ankles, legs and thighs, shortness of breath, extreme tightness and heavy pressure in my upper chest, I ended up in the ER where the staff worked on me for 8 hours before admitting me to the hospital. I'm mobile, but can't do a lot of the things I used to do without tiring out quickly, however, what can be maintained is a healthy diet and small increments of light exercise. Do you have any recommendations for a good diet and light exercise regiment for a person in my condition? How do I get rid of edema? Thanks for all you do to help so very many who need sound advice. Posted by: Sweetie B | August 18, 2008 at 05:48 AM
What foods can I eat to relieve the tightness and pressure in my chest that is lingering from a heart attack I had in May 2008? As a result of the attack, it's most prevalent when I inhale deeply. Will this pressure be permanent due to the damage of the heart muscle or is it the result of stress? Your advise is greatly appreciated and worthy to compare with my doctor's orders. Thanks for all you do to help so many. Posted by: Sweetie B | August 18, 2008 at 05:37 AM
I would appreciate you emailing me the Green Magic drink that was on the Oprah Show as well. Thanks in advance!
Posted by: Jean Jones | August 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I have just been diagonosed with ulcerative colitis with diarrhea. I was wondering is there a certain diet to go with? or certain foods to eat or not? I am also diabetic and insulin dependant... Posted by: Joette | August 15, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I will be 60 years old in 09/05/2008 I was injuerd in my work in 11/16/ 2000 I had 2 nick surgarey , huge seurgary in my back and 2 surgarey in my right foot plus anuthor surgary in my nick and anuthor surgary in my lower back. now i can not excersis any moor , I tray to eat helthy but I had 30 bound resisten fat . if you would please help me to loos them Posted by: Haky Khalil | August 12, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Iam searching for your magic grn drink you and Oprah sampled. Pls E-Mail me the recipe. Thanks. Posted by: Sheril Williams | August 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
i know these foods probably help some folks but not me i have trouble sleeping anytime i take a nap day or nite when i wake i feel worse than when i took my nap instead of being refreshed and then my legs start hurting,knees,muscles just aches and figits sometimes i jerk like a druggie needing a fix at least thats what i am told what can i take to relax my muscles? i have been this way all my life in fact when i was young i would cry with my legs aching and could not rest just have to stay up until i just wear out then i feel terrible next day doctor always said it was growing pains but i am not completely stupid. can you help Posted by: kenneth christopher | August 11, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Thanks a lot .your valued tips for realage really superb.We try to put them to good practice.Sending messages 2 my friends & relatives.
-MUDIUM.SAIPRASAD Posted by: MUDIUM.SAIPRASAD | August 04, 2008 at 10:18 AM
thanks for the tips on sleeping and certain foods, maybe i'll finally get a good nights sleep for the first time in 5 years. thanks so much and keep up the great work. Posted by: sarah | July 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM
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