The best and worst foods to eat before bed

Sleep Superstars

Tryptophan is magic. This amino acid is found in all types of food, including turkey—although it’s not to blame for your Thanksgiving coma. But research shows that foods with tryptophan produces serotonin, which helps promote sleep .

“Many people believe eating foods that contain tryptophan will help induce sleep,” says Jessica Redmond, RD. “This recommendation arises from past research, which has shown that a tryptophan deficiency leads to a serotonin deficiency, and serotonin is one of the hormones that influences our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. The solution? Eating foods like turkey, soy beans, and pumpkin seeds, which contain decent amounts of tryptophan.”