Are you tossing and turning at night, counting sheep in vain, or staring at the ceiling waiting for sleep to come? Before you reach for sleeping pills or invest in expensive sleep aids, you might want to take a second look at your kitchen pantry. The secret to a restful night could be as simple as a banana milkshake!

Yes, you read that right. According to recent research, the humble banana, when paired with a glass of milk, could be the natural sleep remedy you've been searching for. This combination might sound more like a treat than a treatment, but the science behind it is quite compelling.

New research suggests that consuming bananas and milk before bed may help insomniacs fall asleep faster. Credit: Shutterstock

The study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed 21 individuals with insomnia over a six-week period. Participants who consumed a banana and a small cup of milk before bedtime significantly reduced the time it took to fall asleep—from an average of two hours to just 36 minutes. Not only did they doze off faster, but they also enjoyed nearly an hour more of sleep than usual.

But why bananas and milk? It turns out that both are rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Once tryptophan enters the body, it's converted into serotonin, which is then transformed into melatonin, ushering in the feelings of sleepiness and regulating your sleep-wake cycle.

In the UK, where the study was conducted, it's estimated that one in three adults suffers from insomnia. The impact of sleep deprivation is not just personal; it's economic too, with the UK economy losing around £34 billion a year due to the effects of chronic insomnia. So, finding accessible and natural solutions like this could be a game-changer for many.

Now, let's talk about how you can incorporate this sleep-inducing duo into your nightly routine. A banana milkshake might be the most delightful way, but if you're not a fan of milkshakes or you're watching your sugar intake, there are other ways to enjoy these sleep-promoting foods. You could have a small bowl of banana slices with a splash of milk, or simply eat a banana and drink a warm glass of milk separately.

It's important to note that while this study shows promising results, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or sleep routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, if you're looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, why not give this a try? It's a simple, cost-effective, and potentially delicious solution that could lead to better nights and brighter days.

Key Takeaways

• Consuming bananas and milk before bedtime could help reduce the time it takes insomniacs to fall asleep, according to new research.
• The study found that eating a banana reduced the average time to fall asleep from two hours to 36 minutes and increased sleep duration.
• A milky drink was also shown to decrease the time participants spent lying awake and helped increase the overall duration of sleep.
• Both bananas and milk contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is converted into the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, which may explain their sleep-inducing effects.

We'd love to hear from you! Have you tried using bananas and milk to help with sleep? Do you have any other natural sleep remedies that work for you? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other get the rest we deserve.

 

[KaraJenna]

Warm milk at bedtime has been a sleep aid for a very long time! Horlicks or Ovaltine anyone?

 

[JayMair]

Not sure how a banana and milk when mixed together has more sugar than a banana with a glass of milk?

 

[Gsr]

Yum to both, I eat bananas every day, might have to change the time I eat one to bedtime. Warm milk has been promoted as sleep inducing for as long as I can remember and that is well over half a century.

 

[Jennylolo]

heart med I am on I was told to avoid potassium rich foods which bananas are. As a fruit they are the highest in sugars on the glycemic index. I may have a 1/2 now again.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Mum always made me warm milk and honey at night in primary school when exams were the next day….I am not sure if it helped, but mum always said it will help you to sleep soundly, you have a big day tomorrow….

 

[Jennie]

I might try the banana if they were available at a reasonable price, but can't find them unless they are almost black. As for milk, disgusting taste and smell, can't keep it down nomatter how it's disguised unless in a very cold sarsaparilla milk shake.

 

[Dynamo]

Thanks for this tip. As an insomniac I will certainly try it

 

[Babybird]

Here are some natural household remedies to promote a restful sleep:

*Herbal Remedies:*

1. Chamomile Tea: Steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water.
2. Lavender Tea: Steep dried lavender buds in hot water.
3. Valerian Root Tea: Steep dried valerian root in hot water.

*Aromatherapy:*

1. Lavender Essential Oil: Diffuse or apply to pillowcase.
2. Chamomile Essential Oil: Diffuse or apply to pillowcase.
3. Bergamot Essential Oil: Diffuse or apply to pillowcase.

*Food-Based Remedies:*

1. Warm Milk: Contains tryptophan, promoting relaxation.
2. Tart Cherry Juice: Rich in melatonin, regulates sleep-wake cycle.
3. Banana Tea: Rich in potassium, promotes relaxation.

*Household Items:*

1. Epsom Salt Bath: Add 1-2 cups Epsom salt to warm bath water.
2. Cool Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to forehead or neck.
3. Weighted Blanket: Provides gentle pressure, promoting relaxation.

*Sound Remedies:*

1. White Noise Machine: Masks background noise.
2. Nature Sounds: Play calming sounds, like rain or ocean waves.
3. Binaural Beats: Listen to soothing frequencies.

*Temperature Remedies:*

1. Cool Room: Maintain a cool bedroom temperature (60-67°F).
2. Warm Bath: Take a warm bath before bed.

*Other Remedies:*

1. Meditation: Practice relaxation techniques before bed.
2. Yoga: Practice gentle stretches before bed.
3. Journaling: Write down thoughts and clear your mind.

*Tips:*

1. Establish a consistent sleep schedule.
2. Avoid screens before bedtime.
3. Create a dark, quiet sleep environment.
4. Exercise regularly, but not before bedtime.
5. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals close to bedtime.

Remember, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you continue to struggle with sleep.

Would you like more information on any specific remedy?

 

[Towing]

One person I know reckons eating an apple helps him sleep.

 

[Littleboy8]

Not sure how a banana and milk when mixed together has more sugar than a banana with a glass of milk?

Yum to both, I eat bananas every day, might have to change the time I eat one to bedtime. Warm milk has been promoted as sleep inducing for as long as I can remember and that is well over half a century.

I don’t recommended it if you suffer from indigestion makes you feel like your having a heart attack, I tried it once never again.