4 starchy foods to help sleep better

Quang Minh (theo Healthline) |

Here are 4 starchy foods that help you sleep better that have been scientifically proven.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the foods rich in complex starches, helping the body release stable energy and maintain blood sugar levels throughout the night.

In addition, sweet potatoes contain magnesium and potassium, two minerals that help relax muscles and reduce stress, facilitating better sleep.

According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), a diet rich in magnesium helps improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia and midnight wakefulness.

Potassium in sweet potatoes also helps regulate heart rate and reduce blood pressure, helping the body relax before bed.

You should eat boiled or baked sweet potatoes 1-2 hours before bed to optimize the effect.

Brown rice

Brown rice is a source of complex carbohydrates with an average glycemic index, helping to provide gradual energy without spiking blood sugar levels, which is important for sleep.

Brown rice contains GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality.

A study in the Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism showed that GABA in brown rice helps reduce stress, anxiety and supports deeper sleep.

Brown rice also contains melatonin, an important hormone that helps the body regulate sleep cycles.

How to use: Eat a bowl of brown rice with green vegetables and light protein for dinner to support sleep.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a rich source of starch rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps the body synthesize serotonin - a neurotransmitter that has a sedative and relaxing effect.

Oatmeal also contains melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles naturally.

According to the World Sleep Society, people who consume oats in the evening sleep more deeply and are less likely to wake up than those who do not.

Eat oatmeal congee with warm milk or honey about 1 hour before bed to promote good sleep.

Bananas

Bananas are not only an energetic fruit but also contain resistant starch, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. In addition, bananas are rich in tryptophan, magnesium and potassium, which help relax muscles, reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

A study by the Stanford Sleep Center (Stanford Sleep Center) shows that tryptophan in bananas helps the body produce serotonin, thereby converting it into melatonin to help sleep better.

Eat a banana about 3060 minutes before bed to help your body relax.

Quang Minh (theo Healthline)
RELATED NEWS

Different effects of fresh and dried guava leaves

|

Guava leaves have long been used in traditional medicine and are increasingly studied in modern science thanks to their health- beneficial compounds.

4 effects of bananas to help support deeper sleep

|

Here are 4 important effects of bananas to help you sleep deeper.

3 tips to do before bed to sleep better

|

Here are 3 scientific tips to help sleep better, recommended by health experts.

Ho Van Cuong answers questions about himself after a 10-year journey

|

As an artist in Nhu Quynh's "Huong sac giai nhan" music festival, Ho Van Cuong shared his nearly 10-year journey since being crowned "Children's Music Idol 2016".

Hanoi requires leaders to declare all red books, money, precious metals, and foreign assets

|

Hanoi has just issued an official dispatch requesting declaration and control of assets and income for people with positions and powers in organizations and units in 2025.

Fishing port worth more than 40 billion VND in Thanh Hoa abandoned for nearly 10 years

|

Thanh Hoa - A fishing port invested with a capital of more than 40 billion VND, however, after being put into use not long ago, has fallen into a state of abandonment for nearly 10 years.

Hue Trade Union needs to improve digital skills for union members and workers

|

HUE - The Hue City Trade Union Congress identified 5 orientations, taking care of welfare and improving the lives of union members and workers, towards a strong and creative organization.

For the first time, public teachers receive Tet bonus for the 13th month's salary

|

Many schools have completed the 2026 Lunar New Year bonus for officials and employees. Many teachers are happy to receive Tet bonuses equivalent to a full month's salary.

Different effects of fresh and dried guava leaves

Quang Minh (theo ABOLUOWANG) |

Guava leaves have long been used in traditional medicine and are increasingly studied in modern science thanks to their health- beneficial compounds.

4 effects of bananas to help support deeper sleep

Quang Minh (theo Healthline) |

Here are 4 important effects of bananas to help you sleep deeper.

3 tips to do before bed to sleep better

Quang Minh (theo ABOLUOWANG) |

Here are 3 scientific tips to help sleep better, recommended by health experts.