Insomniacs should consider snacking before bed, experts claim — here’s what to eat

Insomniac, meet insomni-snack.

More than a third of Americans don’t get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — if you’re one of them, you may be struggling with insomnia.

And while eating before bedtime is about as popular with some sleep experts as sipping espressos, guzzling alcohol and holding your smartphone really close to your face for hours on end, others are now suggesting that a nighttime nosh could well be the answer to your sleep-deprived prayers.

But there’s a catch — healthy snacks only, say the advice people at Bed Kingdom, a leading mattress seller in the United Kingdom.

“While many people resort to a glass of wine or two to help them drift off in the evening, this can actually be detrimental to the quality of our sleep in the long run,” they originally told The Mirror.

“There are several much more sensible options that you can add to your diet to help boost your chance of getting some quality Zzz’s.”

Atop that list of sensible options? Nuts, with almonds, pistachios, walnuts and cashews in the lead. That’s due to their high levels of zinc and magnesium — both of which are known to combat sleep issues. Those allergic or uninterested can opt for kiwis, cherries, malted milk and oily fish like sardines and tuna, all recommended.

And if you don’t feel like eating, chamomile tea or magnesium supplements may also help, as can the scent of lavender in your bed.

Stress is considered the number one cause of insomnia, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Insomniacs tend to experience difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, waking up too early and waking up tired. The condition is also linked to serious health issues, as well as a depleted sex drive.

A November 2023 study also warned that sleep deprivation was compromising the mental health of an astonishing 78% of adults.