Health Condition

Insomnia

The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

  • Elimination Diet

    Food allergy may also contribute to insomnia. Work with a knowledgeable practitioner to discover potential sensitivities.
    Elimination Diet
    ×

    Food allergy may also contribute to insomnia. In a trial involving eight infants, chronic insomnia was traced to an allergy to cow’s milk. Avoidance of milk resulted in a normalization of sleep patterns.74

  • Dietary Caffeine

    Stop drinking coffee and tea, and avoid other caffeinated products to avoid night-time restlessness.
    Dietary Caffeine
    ×

    Caffeine is a stimulant.75 The effects of caffeine can last up to 20 hours,76 so some people will have disturbed sleep patterns even when their last cup of coffee was in the morning. Besides regular coffee, black tea, green tea, cocoa, chocolate, some soft drinks, and many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals also contain caffeine.

  • Carbohydrates

    Doctors will sometimes recommend eating a slice of bread or some crackers before bedtime, which may reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
    Carbohydrates
    ×

    Doctors will sometimes recommend eating a high-carbohydrate food before bedtime, such as a slice of bread or some crackers. Eating carbohydrates can significantly increase levels of a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) called serotonin,77 which is known to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.