Our sleep cycle can be disturbed by various factors that are out of our control, such as noise, temperature, shift work, jet-lag and even a loved one snoring. However, did you know that your quality of sleep has something to do with the foods you eat? Studies show that nutrition can have far reaching effects on our state of mind. As our sleep can often be disturbed by anxiety, stress and pain, it’s good to know which foods and herbs can help facilitate our body’s systems and overactive brain switching into rest mode.
The healthy sleep cycle
Sleep is governed by the circadian rhythm that triggers the brain to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone at your normal bedtime. Your brain depends on melatonin to initiate sleep and there are also foods that can support or inhibit your brain doing this. Stress also plays a part in preventing restful sleep, as the stress hormone cortisol inhibits the production of melatonin. Foods, herbs and essential oils can be used to combat stress and prime your body, mind and soul for a natural wind down cycle and good night’s sleep.