Getting a good night’s rest is incredibly important for one’s overall health. A good night’s sleep may reduce a person’s risk of developing certain chronic illnesses, helps keep the brain and digestion healthy and boosts the immune system. According to health experts, snacking on walnuts could help improve your night’s rest. How?

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Walnuts are a good source of tryptophan, a sleep-enhancing amino acid which helps make serotonin and melatonin.

These hormones are known as the “body clock” hormones which help set the sleep-wake cycles.

In fact, the University of Texas found that walnuts contain their own source of melatonin, which may help a person fall asleep faster.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body, explained the NHS.

The health site continued: “It helps control your sleep patterns.

“You can take a manmade version of melatonin for short-term sleep problems.

“It makes you fall asleep quicker and less likely to wake up during the night.

“It can also help with symptoms of jetlag.”

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In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the health benefits of nut consumption were analysed.

The research noted: “Nuts are nutrient dense foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fatty and other bioactive compounds: high-quality vegetable protein, fibre, minerals, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds.”

The study looked at the various health benefits of nuts and found that walnuts in particular help to improve sleep quality.

Researchers added: “Walnuts are one of the best food sources of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin.” 

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Health experts believe it’s the fatty acid makeup of walnuts which help contribute to a better night’s sleep.

Walnuts provide ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that’s converted to DHA in the body.

DHA may increase production of serotonin, a sleep-enhancing brain chemical.

This is why walnuts are recommended to those who battle with getting a good night’s rest.

SleepFoundation.Org commented on foods to avoid to help aid in a better night’s sleep and said: “Skip the white bread, refined pasta and sugary, baked goods, which may reduce serotonin levels and impair sleep.

“Instead, choose stick-to-your-ribs whole grains for your bedtime snack.

“Popcorn, oatmeal, or whole-wheat crackers with nut butter are all good choices.“

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