A better nights sleep may just be a matter of choosing the right bedtime snack.

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

Key Takeaways

Snacking before bedtime often gets a bad rap.

a recipe photo of the Chia Seed Pudding

Photo:Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco. EatingWell design.

Luckily, there are plenty of food options rich in tryptophan.

While tryptophan is a serotonin-booster, theres another piece to the puzzle.

Pairing a banana with almond butter also provides essential minerals likemagnesiumand potassium.

Peanut Butter & Hemp Banana

Yourgut health is closely connected with almost every aspect of your health, including sleep.

Turkey & Apple Roll-Up

Youre probably familiar with the sleep-inducing effects of Thanksgiving dinner.

While the turkey isnt the only culprit, it does offer many nutrients that support better sleep.

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Turkeys protein plus the apples fiber makes a perfectly salty-sweet wind-down snack, she explains.

Once inside the brain, it can be converted to serotonin and melatoninpriming you for a better nights sleep.

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding isnt just for breakfast; this fiber-packed pudding can also be a satisfying bedtime snack.

a recipe photo of the Chia Seed Pudding

Youll get a satisfying evening snack with carbs, fiber, healthy fats and some protein.

For example, add dry-roasted edamame to thisgut-friendly snack mixfor a crunchy bedtime snack.

Energy Balls

Need a sweet treat after dinner?

a recipe photo of the Cranberry and Almond Energy Balls

Make a batch of theseanti-inflammatory energy ballsand satisfy your sweet tooth while priming your body for better sleep.

Research has found that people who consume moreanti-inflammatory foodssleep better.

Looking for inspiration?

However, many U.S. adults struggle to get the shut-eye required to feel their best.

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Kim I-S.Current perspectives on the beneficial effects of soybean isoflavones and their metabolites for humans.Antioxidants.

2022;122(6):1182-1195. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2022.01.007