Certain nutrients may help promote calmer, more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Here are several foods and suggestions for how they can be included in an evening meal or enjoyed as a late-night snack, according to Real Simple.
Edamame
Edamame contains tryptophan, although this amino acid is often associated with animal sources of protein.
Soybeans also provide B vitamins, minerals and antioxidant isoflavones.
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Edamame can be enjoyed in several ways
Steamed soybeans can be eaten on their own as a snack.
They also work well in soups and stir-fries or can be enjoyed as a crunchy alternative to chips.
Kiwi contains serotonin
Kiwi provides serotonin and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
These nutrients may help support healthy sleep, according to a study published in Nutrients.
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Kiwi can be eaten before bedtime
One or two small kiwis can make a simple evening snack.
The fruit can also be combined with Greek yogurt and nuts or added to a smoothie or fruit salad.
Eggs support the body's sleep-related processes
Eggs contain tryptophan and various B vitamins.
These vitamins are necessary for the body to produce GABA and serotonin, both of which may support sleep, according to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
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Eggs work well in both meals and snacks
Hard-boiled eggs can be eaten on their own before bedtime. They can also be added to salads and sandwiches or served with grains.
Tart cherries contain several beneficial nutrients
Tart cherries are natural sources of melatonin, tryptophan, magnesium and antioxidants.
Together, these substances may contribute to a good night's sleep.
Tart cherry juice can become part of an evening routine
A small glass of unsweetened tart cherry juice can be consumed before bedtime.
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Tart cherry concentrate can also be mixed with warm water, or thawed cherries can be added to yogurt.
Dark leafy greens provide tryptophan
Kale, spinach, Swiss chard and collard greens contain tryptophan.
They also provide B vitamins, which the body needs to produce serotonin.
Leafy greens contain important minerals
Dark leafy greens provide magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.
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These minerals may help protect against short or interrupted sleep, according to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Tomatoes are a source of melatonin
Tomatoes contain melatonin as well as potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants. As a result, they may support both sleep and several other aspects of health.
Cooked tomatoes contain carotenoids
Cooked and canned tomatoes are rich in lycopene and other carotenoids.
These compounds are associated with the likelihood of getting seven to eight hours of sleep, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal.
Turkey helps the body produce hormones
Turkey is rich in protein and tryptophan. The body uses this amino acid to produce hormones that support sleep, according to a study published in Nutrition Reviews.
Nuts and seeds provide a range of nutrients
Nuts and seeds provide tryptophan, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.
Chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds and walnuts also contain antioxidants that may support sleep, according to a study published in Nutrients.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.