Chasing Down Insomnia with Two Foods
I’ve suffered from insomnia for years, since I was a child, actually, and both with falling asleep and staying asleep. I accepted that part of it may have been attributed to early (and possibly in-utero) imprints on my nervous system, and related to not feeling safe (my mother tells me I would scream whenever she would put me down in my crib - I am sure that was fun for her).
And so, throughout the years, I’ve made it a mission to find ways to manage my insomnia.
Certain actions have been game changers:
Using curtains in the bedroom that block out light
A consistent before-bed ritual (magnesium lotion on skin - particularly behind the knees)
Lavender or chamomile oil on temples to induce relaxation
No phone or computer usage thirty minutes prior
In addition, I have stopped eating or drinking after 7pm (I imagine my stomach having a “Closed for Business” sign and all its employees happily going home).
Recently, I discovered a trick that really works for both falling and staying asleep:
A tablespoon of black sesame oil chased down by a shot glass size of coconut milk.
What is it about this combination?
It turns out that black sesame oil has lots of magnesium and tryptophan to boost serotonin and melatonin production, reducing stress and calming the nervous system. It helps with both how long you sleep and the quality of that sleep.
Coconut milk also has high levels of magnesium (and potassium), which help relax muscles and calm the nervous system.
Eureka!
A note about the potassium in coconut milk: I do notice that, if I’m a bit hungry before bed, I will have a half or whole banana and that will help too.
There is also a psychological element for me regarding coconut milk.
I don’t consume dairy, and coconut milk does make me think of that recommended ritual of milk-before-bed, and it’s just so creamy and soothing to drink. And without the inflammatory effects of dairy (for me at least).
Give it a try. If this doesn’t work, there is always counting sheep :)
