OK let’s talk sleep here. Sleep in undoubtedly the most important element of health and wellness. If you ain’t sleepin right, you ain’t right. So here’s a delicious antioxidant-infused nighttime sleep elixir to help put you to sleep and keep you asleep. Your brain will love ya for it.
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, there are some foods you can add to your sleep routine to help support your body through the night. Here’s how they work.
Here’s How They Work:
Benefits of MCT oil before bed: giving your body some high-quality fat before bed can be beneficial for some people who wake up frequently throughout the night. Sleep interruption is commonly caused by hunger or changes in blood sugar levels. Taking some MCT oil before bed provides your body with a steady stream of energy throughout the night to help you sleep better and has some benefits for your metabolism too. MCTs are easily converted to ketones which are readily used by the brain for fuel while it is working hard to restore, sort information and clean out the day’s metabolites. The production of ketones and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) while fasting overnight helps you burn body fat while you sleep. WHOOP
Benefits of Collagen Before bed: taking some hydrolyzed collagen peptides before bed can be beneficial for your recovery. Amino acids from protein are used for muscle repair and immune function while we sleep. If you’ve read this article of ours, you know that eating before bed can have some negative effects on sleep and recovery overnight. This is why I love taking hydrolyzed collagen instead, it provides your body with the amino acids it needs for muscle repair in a form that is already broken down and ready for absorption so activation of the digestive system is very mild, leaving your energy resources available for fueling your brain. This is especially beneficial if you have performed some strength training during the day. Collagen also contains high amounts of the amino acid glycine which has been shown in studies to increase serotonin, reduces symptoms of insomnia and enhances sleep quality through its calming effects on the brain and its ability to lower core body temperature. Glycine is a super important amino acid for the body, it is used to make enzymes, hormones, creatine, and glutathione – the body’s master cellular antioxidant which helps protect the brain and mitochondria from free radical damage. Double WHOOP
Benefits of Reishi before bed: Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom that is used in herbal medicine for relaxation and adaption to stress. Reishi has also been shown to support immune function and help lessen fatigue. I bought this reishi powder from Om Mushrooms, but you can also check out Foursigmatic reishi elixirs if you want to try a single packet before you invest. I’ve also seen these available at Save-on foods and well.ca.
Topical Magnesium: topical magnesium is another great way to help promote sleep at night. Magnesium is best absorbed through the skin (transdermal). It promotes relaxation and helps maintain healthy levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which promotes deep restorative sleep. Magnesium is a common nutrient deficiency and because every cell and organ in the body needs it to function properly, I use this topical magnesium spray from well.ca to ensure I am getting enough without the potential GI side effects of taking it orally.
Deep Sleep Hot Cocoa Elixer:
1 Tbsp MCT oil
1 Tbsp Collagen peptides
1 Tbsp Organic raw cacao powder
1 Tsp of Reishi mushroom powder
2 Tbsp full fat coconut milk
3 drops organic liquid stevia (optional)
1.5 cup hot water
Directions:
Stirred: Froth coconut milk to make light and fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients to a mug and stir or whisk until combined. Pour frothed milk over hot cocoa and top with a sprinkle of cacao or cinnamon.
Blended: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high for one minute. Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Shout out to Tentree – for their ultra-comfortable sustainably sourced clothing from Vancouver, BC
I am absolutely loving this glow-in-the-dark onesie I got from Tentree during these colder winter nights. Not only does this fuel my love for watching space documentaries at night – I also love supporting local companies that are committed to producing ethical clothing. Tentree plants 10 trees every time you make a purchase and donates to several environmental charities that rehabilitate natural ecosystems. Tentree is a certified B corporation which means that they are a group of progressive leaders who are committed to meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental accountability to balance both profits and purpose to build more sustainable economies.
They use organic pesticide-free cotton and recycled polyester ethically manufactured around the world in facilities that treat their workers with respect and dignity. Tentree takes responsibility by logging their carbon footprint and take action to try to improve and counterbalance their impact. How great is that, if only all companies would take responsibility for their impact on climate change – the world would be a much better place. Hats off to you guys!! Go give them a follow @tentree and get 10% off for first-time customers at tentree.ca.
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