It’s almost bedtime and you’re feeling a little hungry for a sweet treat, should you cave to the cravings, or not? You’d be surprised to find out that a bedtime snack is NOT bad for you. In fact, the right snack may even be able to help you sleep (in addition other great body function support, like muscle and weight management – see my post on this HERE). 

If you are looking for healthy desserts for sweet sleep, read on to learn about some nutritious foods (with easy recipe ideas) for your after-dinner dessert. The healthy treats are made with foods known for promoting relaxation and sleep! 

Bananas: Most of us know that bananas are rich in potassium, but they are also an excellent source of magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral which has been linked to improved relaxation and sleep. Perhaps a banana a day will help keep insomnia away, it’s worth a try! A quick and easy way to turn a banana into dessert is to simply peel it and top with a bit of sugar-free chocolate sauce and almonds (another edible sleep aid).  

If you have more time to whip up a healthy dessert, my recipe for Grilled Strawberry Banana Boats is a healthy treat the whole family will love. 

Almonds: This popular nut is also rich in magnesium and may be able to help you get into that happy sleep place. The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine reported that when magnesium levels are lower than normal, it can be harder to stay asleep at night – so inversely, I’m assuming that more magnesium, means better sleep! My delicious recipe for Almond Joy Cookie Brittle makes a satisfyingly crunchy treat (and it’s also almost sugar-free, thanks to a stevia swap). 

Or if you are looking for a quick sweet treat before bed, just stir honey into almond milk – along with a little turmeric if you are having inflammation (see my recipe for Honey Turmeric Almond Milk Shooters!)

Mmm, or my Cherry-Almond Protein Breakfast Cookies are good for ANY time of the day!

Tart Cherry Juice:  Researchers at the universities of Pennsylvania and Rochester say that drinking a glass of cherry juice before bed could reduce the amount of time it takes to fall off into dream land – that because it naturally boosts your levels of melatonin. Try my Tart Cherry Hot Chocolate (Caffeine Free), it’s a mug full of comforting goodness without any buzz.

Also, my Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberry-Stuffed Cherries are another healthy after dinner winner!

Honey:  Honey is a natural sugar that elevates your insulin and thusly allows the tryptophan from your diet to enter your brain easier. Tryptophan triggers the production of serotonin and melatonin which, in turn, can make you feel relaxed and sleepy. Of course, you don’t want to eat a lot of honey, but a spoonful in plain Greek yogurt (which is rich in tryptophan!) is perfect!  In addition to honey, I like to stir in a few of my favorite toppings like berries! 

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea, prized for a variety of holistic health benefits including relaxation is easy to turn into a treat blending up cooled chamomile tea, frozen peaches and a drizzle of honey into a slushie!  

What is your favorite bedtime snack? Would you rather drink a dessert or eat a dessert?  Are you getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep — if yes, how? If no, why not?  Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer