We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep can impact many other areas of your health and well-being, so if you’re struggling to get to sleep at night, it’s important to find the root of the problem and do what you can to fix it......READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
And apparently, eating more of one specific fruit could help. That’s the claim made in a TikTok video that recently went viral, in which 21-year-old Emma Leigh claimed that eating pineapple before bed has helped her “fall asleep faster and sleep so much deeper” than hitting the hay without a dose of the tropical fruit.
In her video, shared to her @emselement account, Emma told her followers to eat pineapple before bed if they struggle with sleep because the fruit increases the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, in the body. She also said she hoped her advice was helpful, which many in the comments said it was.
But with so many TikTok life hacks shared every day, and not all of them being entirely reliable, does eating pineapple really help you get a better night’s sleep? According to Max Kirsten, award-winning sleep coach and resident expert for PandaLondon, Emma’s claims about melatonin production are true.
Max told Metro: “Eating pineapples or drinking fresh pineapple juice before bed has been shown to raise melatonin markers in the brain by up to 266%. Tryptophan (an amino acid present in pineapple) naturally boosts melatonin levels (a hormone that signals sleep to begin) and serotonin levels in the brain, causing a calming, sleepy, relaxed feeling.”
On top of boosting melatonin production, the high water content in pineapple can help keep your body functioning in top form and can allow you to sleep undisrupted, resulting in a better night’s sleep overall. What’s more, pineapple also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help you when you sleep, especially if you often find yourself waking up as a result of pain.
The expert added: “Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. If discomfort or pain due to inflammation is interfering with your sleep, the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain might help improve your overall comfort and sleep quality.”
However, Max insisted pineapple is not a magical solution to your sleep struggles, and he disagreed with some of the information being spread on TikTok.
The expert claimed eating pineapple alone is unlikely to have a “significant” effect on your sleep, and any benefits you do see are likely to be “gradual and related to overall well-being”.
If you’re desperate for a sleep aid, Max suggests trying “options that are more well-known for their sleep-promoting qualities”, such as warm milk, chamomile tea, and whole grains.
He explained: “It’s also important to maintain a healthy sleep routine and address any underlying sleep disorders if you consistently have trouble sleeping…CONTINUE READING>>
