There are many things that can stop you from getting restful sleep at night, but have you ever thought about how your food might affect your shut eye? Certain dishes and foods can irritate the digestive system, making it harder to get to sleep. Yet other foods have the opposite effect and can be beneficial for both digestion and sleep. Check out these foods that can help you sleep a little better.
Oats
Once soaked in water or milk or cooked, oats are easy to digest. There is also evidence that the fibre can feed your healthy gut bacteria, making digestion easier and less painful. Try a small bowl of porridge before bed, or even an oat version of rice pudding post dinner.
Mint
This green herb calms both stomach and mind and is great for easing any discomfort and pain. Try a few drops of peppermint oil in water, or drink peppermint tea to soothe yourself before bed.
Flax Seeds
There is increasing evidence that flax seeds can help your body process food, due to the healthy fibre contained within the seeds. Try a tablespoon soaked in water, or add them to that porridge.
