“Sleeping Well in the Time of Coronavirus”
With all of the uncertainties in this chaotic and difficult pandemic time, it is important to try to get some restful sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), as many as one-third of Americans do not get the recommended seven to eight hours per night. It is a good time to review what to eat and what to avoid for better sleep. According to the NSF, certain foods and beverages can actually help you sleep. They include: Warm milk and herbal teas. The traditional standard of warm milk still holds up today. Some researchers have shown an association between milk’s tryptophan and melatonin content and better sleep. In addition, caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile, valerian, or passionflower can be just plain relaxing, especially if they are included in your nightly bedtime ritual. Cottage cheese. Because it’s high in lean protein, cottage cheese contains tryptophan, an amino acid known to increase serotonin levels. And, it’s even better if you put some raspberries on top, because they’re rich in melatonin. Nuts. For a quick, pre-bedtime snack, nuts are a good option because they contain melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
