Sleep Better With Cereals

In order to get to sleep, your brain needs two things: a neuro-hormone serotonin and an amino acid tryptophan. Both of these are produced via carbonhydrates and proteins found in food, and cereals supply all the fuel necessary to induce sleep.  Tryptophan is an amino acid, one of the constituents of proteins.

Brain Food

The delicate transistion from the state of wakefulness to that of sleep takes place in our brain.  Think of it as an engne, needing fuel to function properly.  Carbohydrates supply thsi vital fuel.  The food we eat supplies the necessary nutrients in two forms: sugars (from sugar, honey and fruit) and cereals (pasta, rice and bread).  The former are absorbed rapidly by the body which burns them on the spot.  The latter are metabolized more slowly and supply our brain with fuel for longer.

Good and Bad Sugars

The brain consumes a large number of carbohydrates responsible for supplying it with energy, along with the rest of the body.  The brain also manufactures a neuro-hormone vital to the funciton of sleep.  This is known as serotonin and it has a calming, relaxing effect on us.  A lack of serotonin in the brain will make it hard for us to switch the 'thinking engine' off.  Another vital element provided by protein containing carbohydrates, such as cereals, is tryptophan, an amino acid that acts as a natural tranquillizer.

It is better to focus on cereals and limit the number of sugars you consume, in particular refined sugars such as white sugar, pastries, biscuits and sweets.  Ideally, you should eat cereals in the evening in order to supply your brain with a supply on which to draw during the night.  You can replenish the stock at breakfast the following morning.