There are a lot of foods that experts recommend staying away from before bed: sugary snacks, spicy dishes, and potato chips are some of them.
But did you know that there is one food in particular that can improve your sleep?
This is correct. According to experts, the humble pineapple could be the key to helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Why does pineapple help sleep?
First we need to talk about melatonin. This hormone is produced by the pineal gland in your brain and helps control your sleep cycle.
According to the NHS, The body produces melatonin just after dark, peaks in the early hours of the morning and declines during the daylight hours.
Melatonin acts on receptors in your body to encourage sleep.
Pineapple can help increase melatonin levels in the body, which in turn promotes better sleep.
In one study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Eating pineapple was found to boost melatonin levels by a whopping 266%.
Bananas and oranges were also found to boost melatonin levels by 180% and 47%, respectively.
Pineapple also contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps relax muscles, making it easier for you to sleep soundly, according to panda london Sleep expert Max Kirsten.
Does it work?
“Eating pineapple before bed helps me fall asleep faster and sleep much deeper,” the TikTok creator said Emma Robles In a video clip posted on the app.
In response to X’s post asking for sleep tips, user @RobinLeath said: “I don’t know why but pineapple juice helps me and gives me better sleep too!”
When do we eat pineapple before bed?
Sleep coach Calle Bahrenfuss She recommends eating fruit an hour or two before bed to help you sleep easier, “as the highest melatonin concentration occurs about two hours after eating it.”
She told Sleepopolis People who struggle to stay asleep at night should try eating two slices of pineapple just before bed instead – but they warned against trying the hack if you have diabetes or blood sugar problems.