6 trending DIY recipes that help with sleep

According to the Alaska Sleep Education Center, about 80 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, may require medical intervention, but others can be managed right at home.
Sometimes the antidote to insomnia can be found right in your own kitchen. If you need a catch-up on sleep tonight, one of these DIY recipes may help.
Advertisement
1. Warm milk
Any kind of milk will do, including plant-based milks. Just warm it gently and add a bit of honey if you like. Sip it slowly and allow yourself to relax. The calcium in milk helps your brain use tryptophan, which is needed for the production of melatonin in the brain. Melatonin is important because it triggers the body to prepare for sleep. Added honey allows tryptophan to enter the brain more easily.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile is known for being a mild sedative and has a mild flavor. If you want a bit more flavor and sleep-enhancing qualities in your tea, try adding lavender or lemon balm. Add a touch of sweetness with a little bit of honey.
3. Banana tea
The peel of a banana is rich in both magnesium and potassium. These minerals help relax the body, making sleep more easy to achieve. Add a whole organic banana (washed and with ends removed) to a cup and a half of boiling water and allow it to boil for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink. You can add a bit of vanilla and cinnamon to taste.
4. Cherry juice
A half cup of cherry juice will help you sleep longer. Cherry juice increases the availability of tryptophan, which triggers melatonin production in the brain.
5. Hummus on crackers
Chickpeas, used to make hummus, are rich in tryptophan. Whole grains have B vitamins that help your body regulate tryptophan. Together, they make a delicious afternoon snack or lunch that will set you up for a better night's sleep.
Advertisement
6. Cheese and crackers
The calcium in cheese works the same way as the calcium in milk. It helps your brain use tryptophan, which aids in the production of melatonin. Whole-grain crackers offer B vitamins that also help your body regulate tryptophan.
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.