Forget Sleeping Pills—This Natural Fix Is in Your Kitchen
By Mie Hermansen
From melatonin sprays to meditation apps, we’ve tried everything to sleep better. But researchers now say one of the most powerful tools for better rest is already in your fridge. Here’s how diet may be the secret to a deeper night’s sleep.
More Fruits and Veggies, Better Sleep
Participants who consumed more plant-based foods during the day experienced noticeably more restful and uninterrupted sleep that same night.
Sleep Benefits Showed Up After Just One Day
The improvements didn’t take weeks to appear—researchers observed positive sleep changes within the first 24 hours of eating more fruits and vegetables.
Less Tossing and Turning
Those with higher fruit and vegetable intake experienced fewer sleep disruptions, meaning they were less likely to wake up or shift out of deep sleep during the night.
Just Five Servings Made a Measurable Difference
Researchers estimated that meeting the CDC’s daily recommendation of five servings could improve sleep quality by as much as 16 percent.
Whole Grains Help Too
Alongside produce, participants who consumed healthy carbs like whole grains also reported better sleep, likely due to improved regulation of blood sugar and hormones.
Real Sleep Data, Not Just Self-Reports
This study didn’t rely on sleep diaries. Researchers used wrist monitors to objectively measure sleep duration, quality, and fragmentation throughout the night.
Diet Was Tracked Digitally
Participants logged their meals in an app while their sleep was tracked continuously, allowing researchers to make direct links between daily eating and nightly sleep patterns.
Sleep Quality Is About More Than Hours
The study focused on how deep and stable participants' sleep was—not just how long they slept—revealing deeper layers of how diet influences rest.
Even Healthy Young Adults Saw Results
What surprised scientists most was that young, healthy individuals—typically good sleepers—still saw measurable improvements with simple dietary changes.
Timing May Matter Too
The time of day when blood and sleep were measured revealed additional insights. The body’s response to healthy eating might vary based on when those foods are consumed.