4 Drinks To Help You Sleep Better
LAURENTINE TEN BOSCH
Going to bed early is often done with good intentions, but if you find yourself tossing and turning with a mind that runs a million miles an hour, it might be a sign that you’re not winding down as much as you need to. Begin by implementing a bedtime ritual; where a good tonic should become a staple in your new routine. These are a few of my go-to's to help you get started:
1. Sip On A Turmeric Latte
Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories you can have in your cupboard due to the compound curcumin. It’s also a powerful digestive aid, meaning your body’s not working in overdrive and has a chance to rest. It may also work to lower your blood sugar levels, which promotes longer, deeper sleep. If you make your turmeric latte with creamy milk that’s rich in healthy fats, like coconut or hemp, if you can get your hands on it, these will nourish your brain and contribute to the soothing sensation. Try this Bedtime Turmeric Tea to sip away on as you drift into sleep.
2. Have A Sleepy-Time Tea Ritual
Depending on what you’re brewing, teas can help your body and mind do a number of things - even slip into a deep sleep. Chamomile tea has long been praised for its soothing and sleep-stimulating powers. It has been found that this profound effect comes from an abundance of apigenin. This antioxidant binds to specific receptors in your brain that simultaneously decrease anxiety and initiate sleep. You can make your own tea blend that brings other health benefits to the cup, but you’ll get sleepy and dreamy by brewing it strong and brewing it long. Hot tip: use two cups worth, cover, and let steep for half an hour. You’ll be in the deepest slumber before you can finish the cup.
3. Cuddle Up With A Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolates are reminiscent of childhood camping trips or movie nights, but the sugar overload often ends up having the opposite effect. That’s why a natural alternative is a wonderful way to bring about those nostalgic memories and relaxing feeling, while giving you the health benefits of lowered blood sugar, healthy and slow-burning fatty acids, and alleviating any mental stress that may be keeping you awake at night. This simple, Stress-Reducing Hot Chocolate is packed with all the good stuff, none of the nasties.
4. Dose Up On Sleep-Promoting Minerals In Your Diet
Melatonin and serotonin are so important for deep, restful sleep, and without them, our nights become erratic and disturbed. A good way to ensure you’re encouraging a calm nervous system is to have foods that are naturally-rich, such as slow-burning bananas, which are also rich in potassium. With the added muscle-relaxing properties of oats and almonds, this Sleep Promoting Evening Milkshake is the perfect smoothie to send you to sleep.
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Laurentine ten Bosch, filmmaker of Food Matters, Hungry For Change and TRANSCENDENCE - Live Life Beyond The Ordinary and founder of FMTV. Along with James Colquhoun, Laurentine founded Food Matters, giving people the tools (films, books, website, TV) to take charge of their own health. Food Matters is an internationally acclaimed widely popular documentary about the medical and healthcare industries. Their latest documentary, Hungry For Change, reveals how the diet and processed food industries are the enemies of permanent weight loss, vibrant health, and natural living. From here, FMTV was born! A place where we can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews & recipe videos in one place.