What You Eat Can Hurt Your Sleep. What To Eat Instead

Research led by Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge at Columbia University suggests that a balanced diet throughout the day can significantly impact sleep quality by supporting melatonin production. Her book "Eat Better, Sleep Better" outlines how foods rich in tryptophan (like legumes, nuts, and seeds) and supporting nutrients (such as zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins) can help regulate sleep cycles more effectively than single foods or supplements. The research indicates that Mediterranean-style diets high in plant foods, whole grains, and healthy proteins correlate with better sleep outcomes and reduced insomnia risk.