Best Foods to Help You Sleep, According to a Dietician

If you’re struggling to get regular, good quality sleep, the solution might lie beyond your bedroom and in your kitchen. It turns out, the best foods to help sleep may be as important as ensuring you turn off devices early and get to bed on time.

“It might sound unusual, but a restful night’s sleep begins with what’s on your plate,” says nutritionist GQ Jordan. “Including the right nutrients nourishes your body and supports your natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm.” Here’s what you need to know to help you drift off more easily.

Make magnesium a non-negotiable

When it comes to the best foods for sleep, you’ll want to consider options with magnesium. “An essential nutrient for sleep is magnesium, which can be depleted by stress and exercise,” says Jordan. If you find yourself over-thinking or feeling overwhelmed, and that it’s affecting your sleep, you probably need some more magnesium in your diet. As well as being involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in the body—including regulating mood and stress responses— magnesium is an excellent sleep support because it regulates the neurotransmitter GABA, raised levels of which are often associated with insomnia and sleep issues.