8 Superfoods For Better Sleep

1- Almonds

Almonds are high in potassium, and B vitamins, which help our nervous systems to relax. His super-sleep snack tip? Spread some almond butter on toast, with banana slices, (another sleep all-star), no need to count sheep when your head hits the pillow.

2- Bananas

Bananas, like almonds, are packed with pea complex vitamins, and potassium, making them one of favorite 'insomnia fighting ingredients'. (We like to keep a supply of the natural muscle relaxant in the freezer, for when our sweet tooth kicks in.)

3- Brown rice

Brown rice is awesome because it contains GABA, which is a natural Ambien. If you've never heard of GABA (you're definitely not alone on that one), you may want to get familiar with the amino acid. GABA, aka gamma-aminobutyric acid, calms the nervous system and works almost like a natural, super-mellow tranquilizer.

4- Cherries

Cherries allow the body to release melatonin, which Wrobel calls 'the body clock hormone' because it promotes a cycle of falling asleep, and waking up naturally. As in, the fruit will help you recalibrate the body, when you're dealing with a bout of jet lag.

5- Chickpeas

Your sleep cycle's new best friend? B vitamins. Chickpeas boast vitamin b6, which is needed to make melatonin, highlighting the legume's deep sleep-inducing qualities. Munching on chickpeas throughout the day, will help your body, and your nervous system relaxes come bedtime, too.

6- Kale

Need some more convincing to pile your plate with kale? Magnesium deficiency is a major cause of insomnia, adding that many Americans don't get enough magnesium. Good thing this dark, leafy green is packed, with the mineral. Yet another reason to throw some kale, in to your daily smoothie.

7- Oatmeal

Sure, it's a breakfast staple-but oatmeal will help you get your snooze on, too. Oats aid the body in releasing sleep hormones, (think melatonin, yet again). In fact Wrobel nicknames the grain and natural Ambien.

8- Walnuts

Walnuts are a great source of tryptophan, which is a sleep-enhancing amino acid.. In the brain, tryptophan is converted to serotonin, which induces sleep. Pop a few after dinner to get the body snooze-ready.