Who doesn’t love a good bedtime snack? As a parent, you certainly are aware that children definitely do. As such, having snack foods on hand to give to your little ones before bedtime is essential. However, if you are noticing that your kids are having trouble sleeping, you might want to switch up the snacks they are getting before bed to see if other foods work better than others. Not every food will affect your kids the same way when it comes to falling asleep, so making intentional decisions with the bedtime snacks you choose is important. Here are some of the most effective snacks that can help when it comes time to go to bed.
Bananas contain magnesium
You can use this as an ingredient in a snack, such as in a peanut butter and banana sandwich, or simply opt for the no-hassle a la carte serving. Bananas have been found to naturally contain the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for promoting sleep in the body. Serotonin is also naturally found in bananas, which helps promote a positive mood and combats feelings of anxiety. Another benefit of bananas is that they contain magnesium and potassium, which are both natural muscle relaxers. All of these great nutritional benefits work together to make this a great food to eat before bedtime.
Pineapples have melatonin
This delicious fruit is known for its benefits when it comes to aiding digestion, which will certainly come in handy for helping your child sleep. In addition, pineapple actually contains one of the highest concentrations of melatonin found naturally in foods, making it a perfect snack for bedtime.
Oatmeal can stabilize blood sugar
Why not have breakfast right before bed? Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which help create stable blood sugar levels, crucial for maintaining sleep. Oats also naturally contain a lot of melatonin, making for a great choice for promoting feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Eating warm food is also naturally calming, which also helps to make oatmeal a great choice. Just be sure to choose variety where you can control how much sugar is in it to avoid uneven blood sugar levels throughout the night.
Nut Butters can contain tryptophan, melatonin, or magnesium
Making a tasty snack with different types of natural nut butters can be a perfect option for your child before bed. Not only are they all a great source of protein, but nut butters also contain tryptophan and all the relaxing benefits that come with it. Different types of nut butters also have distinct benefits as well. For instance, walnuts also contain melatonin while almonds contain the muscle relaxing nutrient magnesium.
As you experiment with different options and become familiar with what your children love and how well they do at bedtime, you’ll find your go-to bedtime snacks to help your child sleep in no time.