Sleepless in Arkansas, Part 13: Yogurt!

I just finished reading this article by Eliza Martinez about yogurt and how it helps people sleep:  “Yogurt as a Bedtime Snack for Insomnia”.  Here are some excerpts from that article:

Tryptophan

“Tryptophan is an amino acid your body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin, both of which are brain chemicals involved with inducing sleepiness and relaxation. Eating foods that contain tryptophan, such as yogurt, facilitates the process.”

“In addition, people with lactose intolerance who also have insomnia may be able to consume yogurt without experiencing symptoms because many varieties contain less lactose.”

Choosing Yogurt

 “Not all yogurts provide the same sleep benefits, so being choosy is important when eating yogurt as a bedtime snack. Avoid versions that are high in sugar because they interfere with blood sugar levels, causing a spike that may counteract the tryptophan in the yogurt, according to AskDrSears.com. Look for options that are naturally low in sugar or buy plain yogurt and combine it with naturally sweetened foods, such as fruit. In addition, a high-protein meal too close to bedtime may wake your brain up, so look for yogurts that don’t contain a huge amount.”

Considerations

“Eating a large meal too close to bedtime will likely make you uncomfortable, which makes it difficult to fall asleep. Limit your yogurt intake to one serving, which is typically one-half to one container, depending on its size. Read labels and use measuring utensils to help you eat an appropriate amount. Yogurt contains probiotics, healthy bacteria that support digestive health, so eating it at bedtime can help you sleep and reduce any gastrointestinal symptoms you may have as a result of insomnia.”

[Source:  https://www.livestrong.com/article/519938-yogurt-as-a-bedtime-snack-for-insomnia/]

Lately, I’ve managed to sleep six hours.  I would love it if I could sleep at least an hour more. I will try this and see if it makes a difference.

I used Tryptophan capsules with Magnesium to help me sleep years ago.  Sadly, that combination no longer works for me.

I’m still on the acid/alkaline and Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen diets.  Yogurt is alkaline.  The yogurt I chose is Stonyfield Organic Plain Lowfat.  It meets all the requirements from Eliza’s article with only 7 grams of sugar.  As for carbohydrates with the yogurt, I generally have a peanut butter and apricot preserves sauce on “Thin-Sliced Sprouted Grains Bread” made by Dave’s Killer Bread for my dessert.

I will let you know if it worked for me.

…

Till next time,

Please be kind to everyone you meet, for we all have our hidden sorrows. ~Tzaddi