In the summer months things seem easier: it is easier to get up in the morning, easier to eat fresh fruits and veg, easier to motivate yourself to exercise and easier to fall into a deep nurturing sleep at the end of the day. But as the summer draws to a close and the days get shorter … and a little wetter; things that seemed easy in June suddenly feel like herculean tasks.
I apologise now for turning to an overused phrase, but truly, ‘you are what you eat!’ What you eat plays a huge part in how you feel about the world. And sleep is no exception. Busy schedules, stress, illness, commuting, family needs and work all stand in the way of you getting a great night’s sleep. Surprisingly small things can sabotage your ability to get a great night’s rest; not least of which is the food you eat throughout the day and right before bed. Prepackaged foods (ready-made dinners, crisps, etc.), caffeine, and too much alcohol are just two of the main culprits.
But, don’t fear food because there are some that actually help you sleep! Calcium and magnesium, for example, help to relax the nervous system and are best when consumed together according to dietitians. Try foods that contain whole grains, almonds, yogurt and figs as part of your dinner to get the most delicious (and nutritious) sources of these foods. Tryptophan is purported to be another sleep encouraging amino acid found in foods such turkey, chickpeas, potatoes and peanuts, to name a few. And what you drink matters too. Herbal teas are touted as being the best sleep inducers (along with a lovely cup of hot milk) and among the best of these are some of my personal favourites: chamomile and passion flower tea.
If you want to end a special meal at Jola’s with good night’s sleep in mind, might I recommend pairing our chamomile tea with a crepe or an oat packed seasonal fruit crumble? Because even though the days are darkening does not mean our spirits, or our appetites, have too as well.
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