Long summer days often translate to short summer nights. Make the most of the rest you do get by eating a wide range of nutrients. One recent study found that people with the most varied diets tend to be the best sleepers, while those who didn’t sleep as well had diets low in carbohydrates and lycopene, a nutrient found in red and orange foods such as tomatoes and carrots. For additional nighttime support, work these three sleep-boosting foods into your day.
TART CHERRY JUICE
TART CHERRY JUICENumerous studies have shown that drinking two glasses of tart cherry juice per day may raise sleep quality and quantity.
Sleep enhancers: antioxidants, melatonin
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KIWI
KIWIResearchers in Taiwan found those study participants who ate two kiwifruit one hour before bedtime fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer than those who didn’t.
Sleep enhancers: antioxidants, serotonin
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FISH
FISHTuna, salmon and halibut pack high doses of omega-3 fatty acids and B-complex vitamins, both of which help produce brain chemicals, such as tryptophan and melatonin, that encourage sleep. Aim for at least two 4-ounce servings per week.
Sleep enhancers: omega-3s, B vitamins