15 Foods You Didn't Know Are Making You Sleepy (Better to Eat at Night)

Many people experience a drowsy feeling after a meal and wonder what causes it. While it’s normal to feel a bit tired after eating, some foods contain compounds that naturally promote sleep.

These foods can be helpful if you’re looking to wind down at night, but they may also leave you feeling sluggish during the day. If you want to avoid mid-day drowsiness, saving these foods for evening meals might be best. Here are several foods that you didn’t know could make you sleepy.

Turkey

Turkey is often associated with feeling sleepy, especially after holiday meals. This is because turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin, both promoting relaxation and sleep.

While it’s not enough to knock you out on its own, it can contribute to drowsiness if eaten in larger quantities. Having turkey at dinner can help you feel more relaxed before bed. Enjoying it in the evening when you’re ready to unwind is best.

Bananas

Bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium, both of which are natural muscle relaxants. They also contain tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep.

Eating bananas can make you feel sleepy because of their calming effects on the body. While they make for a great snack, enjoying them at night is probably better to avoid feeling sluggish during the day.

Almonds

Almonds are a great source of magnesium, which helps relax muscles and promotes restful sleep. They also contain melatonin, a hormone that signals your body it’s time to rest. Having a handful of almonds before bed can help you fall asleep more easily.

However, eating almonds during the day may leave you feeling less energized, so consider them as a nighttime snack instead.

Cherries

Cherries, especially tart cherries, are a natural source of melatonin. Drinking cherry juice or snacking on cherries can boost melatonin levels, making you sleepy.

If you have trouble falling asleep, this makes cherries a great addition to your nighttime routine. However, eating them during the day may cause you to feel more tired than usual, so they’re better enjoyed in the evening.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is often considered a breakfast food, but it might not be the best choice for an energetic start to your day. Oats are rich in carbohydrates, increasing insulin levels and promoting tryptophan absorption into the brain.

This can make you feel sleepy soon after eating. Consider having oatmeal as a comforting evening snack instead of a morning meal to avoid feeling groggy during the day.

Milk

A warm glass of milk has long been recommended as a sleep aid, and for good reason. Milk contains tryptophan, calcium, and vitamin D, all contributing to a relaxed state. These nutrients help your body produce melatonin, making it easier to fall asleep.

Drinking milk during the day can leave you feeling a bit sleepy, so it’s best to save that glass for nighttime when you’re ready to settle in.

White Rice

White rice has a high glycemic index, meaning it raises your blood sugar levels quickly, followed by a drop that can leave you feeling tired. It also helps increase tryptophan and serotonin production, which promote relaxation and sleep.

While it’s a staple food in many diets, eating too much white rice during the day can make you feel sluggish. It’s better suited as part of a dinner meal when you’re winding down for the night.

Walnuts

Walnuts are another nut rich in melatonin, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. They also contain healthy fats that can calm the body and prepare you for rest. Snacking on walnuts in the evening can help improve your sleep quality, but they might make you feel sleepy if eaten during the day. For best results, enjoy them as a bedtime snack.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates and potassium, which relax your muscles and promote restful sleep. They also help the body produce serotonin, which can make you feel calm and ready for bed.

While they’re a healthy option for any meal, sweet potatoes may leave you feeling sleepy if eaten during the day. Try incorporating them into your dinner for a more restful night.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is high in casein, a slow-digesting protein that can make you feel full and satisfied for longer. It also contains tryptophan, which helps induce sleep.

While it’s a healthy option, eating cottage cheese in the morning may leave you feeling tired rather than energized. Consider enjoying it as a nighttime snack to help you wind down and feel ready for sleep.

Lettuce

Lettuce, particularly romaine, contains a substance called lactucarium, which has sedative properties. This compound can help you relax and fall asleep faster. Lettuce-based salads are light and refreshing, but they might make you feel a bit too relaxed during the day. Having a salad with lettuce at dinner could help you sleep more soundly, making it a better evening option.

Hummus

Hummus, made from chickpeas, is rich in tryptophan, which can make you feel sleepy after eating it. It also contains healthy fats and fiber that promote a feeling of fullness and relaxation.

While hummus is a great snack, eating too much of it during the day can lead to drowsiness. Save it for a late-night snack to take advantage of its sleep-promoting properties.

Herbal Teas

Chamomile Tea — Image Credits: Depositphotos/denio109.

Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, are known for their calming effects. These teas contain compounds that help reduce stress and promote sleepiness.

Drinking herbal tea during the day can leave you feeling more relaxed than alert. Try enjoying a cup in the evening to help you unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Eggs

Eggs contain tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of melatonin. Eating eggs can make you feel sleepy, especially if paired with other sleep-inducing foods.

While eggs are often considered a breakfast staple, they might make you feel more tired than energized. Consider having them for dinner instead of breakfast if you want to avoid feeling sleepy during the day.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains serotonin-boosting compounds, making you feel calm and relaxed. However, it also contains a small amount of caffeine, which can have mixed effects depending on the person.

The serotonin in dark chocolate can promote sleepiness, making it an excellent nighttime snack. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to avoid it before bed.