It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is essential to our overall health and well-being. However, according to a recent survey, almost a third of French people do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. If you are looking for a natural way to improve the quality of your sleep, discover this new trick that will surely do you good.
Lettuce water: a new trend that is all the rage on social networks.
Social media is a breeding ground for new trends in well-being. Every day there seems to be a new fashion to try. Whether it’s a “healthy” version of a familiar product or a strange new concoction. The latest trend to take over the internet is lettuce water, which TikTok users say can help you sleep better. Many people who have experienced it swear by its effective and immediate effect. In fact, this trend has become so popular that it has been seen by over 42 million people on TikTok. Whether or not you’re tempted to try this bizarre new trend, one thing is certain: social media has completely changed the way we think about wellness.
From a nutritionist point of view: does this method really work?
Lettuce is rich in magnesium and calcium, two essential nutrients for a good night’s sleep. Magnesium helps relax muscles and the nervous system, while calcium promotes the production of melatonin, the natural sleep hormone. Research has shown that magnesium and calcium deficiencies can lead to insomnia.
As dietician Mélissa Azzaro explains, some lettuces, like romaine, contain a natural phytonutrient called lactucarium. This substance is also called “lettuce opium” because of its calming and soporific effect. In one study, rats given lactucarium showed increased sleepiness and decreased activity levels. And it is thought that its effect could be similar in humans. Although more research is needed to confirm this, the antioxidants found in lettuce may help protect against stress caused by sleep disturbances. So if you’re having trouble sleeping, drinking a glass of romaine lettuce water before bed could help you get the deep sleep you need.
To prepare lettuce water, simply soak chopped lettuce in water overnight and drink it before bed. Give it a try and you might find that it helps you drift off to dreamland more easily.
However, it is also important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. If you suffer from insomnia, it is always best to consult a doctor or nutritionist to find out what works best for you.
What other foods can help achieve deep sleep?
There are a few foods that can help you fall asleep more easily. For example, drink chamomile tea before bed. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid. Luteolin, a flavonoid found in chamomile, binds to receptors in the brain that promote relaxation. Another food that can help you sleep is eating several kiwis before bed.
Taipei University established a study in 2011 that showed that eating two kiwis before bedtime can improve sleep quality. This is likely due to the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins present in kiwi fruit. Like its richness in tryptophan, an amino acid that also helps improve sleep by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Finally, banana bread is a popular bedtime snack because it contains both carbohydrates and magnesium. Carbohydrates help tryptophan enter the brain, while magnesium supports relaxation.
Cherries are another food that can make it easier to fall asleep. Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Studies have shown that consuming cherries can increase melatonin levels in the body and improve symptoms of insomnia. For best results, eat a handful of cherries or drink cherry juice about an hour before bedtime.
