Sleep Better: The Best and Worst Foods for a Good Night's Rest

Assortment of healthy foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and vitamins, including oats, nuts, fruits, and eggs, to promote better sleep

Did you know that what you eat for dinner can determine whether you sleep soundly or toss and turn all night? Sleeping well is just as important as eating well. However, many people struggle to fall asleep without realizing that their diet could be the key.

In this article, you’ll discover how nutrition and sleep are connected, which foods promote rest, and which ones to avoid. We’ll also share practical tips and show you why Satislent is a perfect option for a balanced dinner.

Nutrition and sleep: how are they connected?

Your body needs certain nutrients to produce neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate sleep, such as melatonin and serotonin. A key factor is tryptophan, present in some foods, which helps synthesize these wellness hormones. When there are deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B6, or zinc, the quality of your sleep can suffer. That’s why including the right foods in your diet can make a difference in how well you sleep each night.

Additionally, some habits can enhance the effects of a healthy diet. Incorporating morning habits to wake up energized can help maintain a more balanced sleep cycle.

Foods to sleep better

If you want to improve the quality of your sleep, it’s essential to include foods rich in tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium.

Which foods help you sleep better?

Nuts like almonds and walnuts, oats, and bananas are excellent choices, as they promote relaxation and serotonin production. Likewise, legumes, nuts, and soy are great plant-based sources of protein rich in tryptophan, essential for better sleep.

Some foods also naturally contain melatonin. Tart cherries, grapes, strawberries, pistachios, and tomatoes effectively help regulate the sleep cycle. It’s also recommended to consume foods rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, such as flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, spinach, and chia seeds, since they aid muscle relaxation and support the nervous system balance.

Man waking up refreshed after a good night's sleep, thanks to a healthy dinner rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin

What is the best dinner for better sleep?

If you’re wondering what the ideal dinner for better sleep looks like, the key is a light meal combining high-quality plant-based proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. For example, an oat and banana smoothie with plant-based milk or whole grain toast with hummus can help you sleep more deeply.

Foods that can affect your sleep

Just as there are foods that support sleep, there are others that can disrupt it.

Which foods affect sleep?

Some of the foods best avoided at night include:

  • Caffeine and other stimulants, found in coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, as they can prolong alertness.

  • Sugars and refined carbohydrates, like white bread, pastries, and sweets, which cause blood sugar spikes and can trigger nighttime awakenings.

  • Fatty or heavy meals, such as fried foods and creamy sauces, which are hard to digest and may cause acid reflux.

  • Alcohol, which may induce sleep quickly but interferes with its deeper stages, making rest less restorative.

If you’ve been waking up frequently or struggling to fall asleep lately, reviewing your evening diet might be the key to improving your rest. Additionally, if you’re interested in biohacking and its impact on productivity, you can find biohacking tips to optimize your sleep.

Man eating pizza and snacks late at night, illustrating unhealthy eating habits that disrupt sleep quality

Satislent: a balanced dinner for better sleep

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy evening option, Satislent is ideal. It contains key ingredients for better rest:

  • Oats and gofio, low glycemic index carbohydrates that aid tryptophan absorption.

  • Pea protein, a 100% plant-based source rich in tryptophan, promoting serotonin and melatonin production. Unlike animal proteins, plant-based ones are easier to digest and have a lower environmental impact. If you want to learn more about this, check out our article on the benefits of plant-based proteins.

  • Extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed, essential sources of healthy fats.

  • Magnesium and vitamin B6, crucial for nervous system relaxation.

Does Satislent help you sleep better?

Eating a balanced dinner with the right nutrients can help you sleep better, and with Satislent, you only need to mix it with water or plant-based milk to enjoy a complete meal in seconds.

If you're curious about how the choice between plant and animal protein can influence sleep quality, check out our specialized article on the topic.

Conclusion: improve your diet and sleep better

To enhance your sleep, include foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin in your diet, avoid stimulants, and opt for light, balanced dinners.

And if you’re looking for an easy, nutritious, and effective solution, try Satislent and give your body the nutrients it needs to rest better.