The Best Foods to Eat Before Bed, According to Nutritionists

Getting enough sleep can benefit everything from your mood to your immune system, but more than a third of Americans struggle to get the recommended seven (or more!) hours per night. To start catching up on those lost ZZZ's, try tweaking your diet. Getting more minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron on your plate can help kickstart the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation. Research shows that some specific foods — like cherries, nuts, and oats — specifically contain sleep-promoting properties and get you off to dreamland sooner.

When it's getting close to bedtime, make sure you're steering clear of heavy fried foods, alcohol, caffeine (like coffee, tea, and energy drinks), and heartburn-inducers such as tomato sauce or orange juice. These can have the exact opposite effect and keep you tossing and turning for longer. Stick to the late-night bites listed below, and peaceful slumber will be yours.