A better nights sleep

We spoke to nutritionist Libby Limon, and sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley, about the nutrients and minerals our bodies need to get a good night’s rest: 1. Magnesium “Magnesium is probably one of the most important minerals when it comes to sleep” Libby told us Why a supplement over a diet change? Well, although magnesium occurs naturally in many foods, it is notoriously difficult to absorb. It’s suggested that 75%-90% of the UK population aren’t getting their daily minimum intake of magnesium – and that deficiency could be preventing your body from operating at its peak. 2. Protein It’s not just the food that we eat just before bed which influences our sleeping patterns, but the food we consume during our waking hours. Protein rich foods are good for the production of serotonin, which many of us know as the ‘happy hormone’. This handy substance also plays a role in the sleep/wake cycle, helping to keep us upbeat and alert throughout the day. Consuming a diet packed with protein heavy food like egg whites, turkey and spinach, could help you nod off at night. 3. Cherries Libby recommends that cherries – one of the few natural sources of melatonin – are eaten an hour before bed to help boost levels of the hormone in the body Dr Neil Stanley explains exactly what role melatonin has in helping our bodies drop off. “Melatonin is the hormone most commonly associated with the sleep-wake cycle. Levels of melatonin vary throughout the day (and night) which helps regulate circadian rhythms in the body.” For more info or for more tips on getting enough sleep, visit the 24-Hour Sleep Guide at furniturevillage.co.uk