There are a variety of foods that can make you sleepy. Some of the most common include: carbohydrates, dairy, protein, and certain fruits and vegetables.
Carbohydrates are one of the most prevalent nutrients in our diets and are found in foods such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and cereal. When we eat carbohydrates, our bodies convert them into glucose (sugar) which is then used for energy. However, if we consume more carbohydrates than we need for energy – which is easy to do given their abundance in the Western diet – our blood sugar levels can become elevated. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and drowsiness as our bodies work to regulate blood sugar levels.
Dairy products contain a natural substance called tryptophan which is a precursor to the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Melatonin helps to regulate our sleep-wake cycles and can promote drowsiness when levels are high (such as at night). Dairy products also tend to be high in calcium which can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and eggs contain amino acids that the body uses to create neurotransmitters including serotonin and.
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