Discover foods and drinks like bananas, cherries, coffee, and milk that might be causing your sleepiness, plus insights on how they affect energy levels.
Do you ever feel like you’re dragging, fighting to keep your eyes open? Could it be something you ate? We’ve all been there, right? Let’s explore some foods (and drinks!) that might be the culprits, and how they affect your sleepiness. We’ll dive deeper into understanding what’s happening, so keep reading!
Foods That Cause Sleepiness
There’s a lot of healthy and beneficial food out there for your health. That said, you might want to avoid consuming these foods especially when you need to stay sharp, focused, and energetic, because they might make you sleepy:
1. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium, offering a wide range of health benefits, particularly in improving nerve function and boosting heart health. Like, who doesn’t love a good banana, um, especially knowing it is good for your ticker?
Also, bananas contain magnesium, which aids in relaxing your muscles. This relaxation can be beneficial before sleep, making you feel drowsy.
2. White Bread
Foods that cause sleepiness include white bread. White bread is made from refined flour and refined flours give you a quick energy boost, followed by a crash. I remember this one time, I had a sandwich for lunch and then felt so unproductive the rest of the afternoon.
Instead, it’s advisable to eat whole wheat bread rich in fiber, which regulates sugar levels in the blood and maintains energy for a longer period.
3. Pasta
Similar to white bread, pasta is often made from refined flour. And, unfortunately, the large portions we tend to serve ourselves can give your body a short burst of energy.
The rapid processing can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. Opting for whole wheat pasta is a better choice.
4. Red Meat
Red meat is a source of protein and iron, thus it’s energizing. That said, it also has a high fat content and requires a significant effort to digest, which can make you feel tired.
Therefore, red meat is considered among the foods that induce sleepiness. I mean, think about Thanksgiving dinner. Who isn’t ready for a nap after all that turkey?
5. Cherries
Cherries are a delicious fruit, but they can cause sleepiness because they are a natural source of melatonin. Therefore, if you want to improve your natural sleep cycle and get rid of anxiety, consider having cherries before bed.
6. Salmon
Salmon is a healthy food source, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It’s also a good source of vitamin B6, which is involved in the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. So salmon, which is a great food, is also a sleep-inducing one, that’s why we suggest making salmon a dinner option.
You know what’s also interesting? Foods high in tryptophan, like salmon, aren’t the only things that can influence your sleepiness. Did you know that gut health also plays a huge role in sleep quality? A balanced gut microbiome can influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, which are crucial for regulating sleep. Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your diet can help improve gut health, potentially leading to better sleep patterns. It’s kinda wild how it all connects, isn’t it?
7. Turkey
Turkey is a rich source of tryptophan, which helps increase the production of serotonin and melatonin. Both of these hormones have a soothing effect, especially when consumed with carbohydrate sources such as rice, potatoes, or white bread.
Drinks That Cause Sleepiness
After learning about foods that cause sleepiness, let’s learn about the drinks that lead to that effect, including:
1. Coffee
Surprising, isn’t it? While coffee is high in caffeine and can give you a high energy boost at the beginning, it can quickly leave you feeling tired. Therefore, we don’t advise starting your day with a cup of coffee, but rather with a nutritious meal rich in complex carbohydrates, protein sources, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Cow’s Milk
Avoid drinking milk during the daytime if you want to stay focused! It contains high levels of calcium and a good amount of tryptophan, that can help you sleep. These ingredients work together so calcium can help in turning tryptophan into serotonin, which is a substance that aids in sleep and relaxation, as mentioned before.
3. Herbal Teas
Drinking some types of herbal teas might help in sleeping better, like:
- Yianson.
- Baboonj.
- Mint.
- Chamomile tea.
Key takeaways
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Does eating cheese before bed cause nightmares?
There’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that cheese causes nightmares. That said, some people find that eating a heavy meal before bed can disrupt their sleep.
Is it true that warm milk helps you sleep?
Warm milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can help promote sleep. The warmth can also be soothing, making it a comforting bedtime ritual.
Does sugar make kids hyperactive and then sleepy?
The idea that sugar causes hyperactivity in kids is largely a myth. Sugar can provide a temporary energy boost, but it doesn’t cause hyperactivity. However, the subsequent drop in blood sugar levels can lead to fatigue.
“I used to grab a donut and coffee every morning. By noon, I was crashing hard. Switching to a protein-rich breakfast made a huge difference in my energy levels throughout the day.”
“I love pasta, but I noticed I’d always feel sluggish after eating it for lunch. Now, I save it for dinner or choose whole wheat versions, and I don’t feel as sleepy during the day.”
“I started drinking chamomile tea before bed, and it’s helped me relax and fall asleep easier. Plus, it’s a nice way to wind down after a busy day.”
So, there you have it. It’s all about being mindful of what you’re eating and drinking, and how it affects your body. I know that personally, cutting out sugary drinks in the afternoon has made a world of difference. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go brew a cup of chamomile tea. Nighty night!
