Getting the little ones into bed, never mind getting them to sleep, can be a difficult chore.
But there is something you can do to try and make the process a little easier – you can give them foods that make them feel sleepy.
Here are five of the best…
Bananas
This food, which is usually linked to boosting energy levels, is packed full of magnesium – a mineral that is said to relax your muscles thus encouraging sleep. It can also easily be combined with a couple of other items on this list.
Chicken
Ever wondered why you always need a nap after your Christmas dinner? That’s because poultry, such as turkey and chicken, promote sleep due to its high levels of tryptophan. We picked chicken because it’s easier and versatile.
Milk
Dairy products, including cheese and milk, also contain tryptophan which is the amino acid that makes you feel tired after a meal. We like to heat up a cup or two and add in a spoonful of honey along with a drop of vanilla extract.
Oatmeal
A bowl of this will have your tots down in no time. That’s because it is a natural source of melatonin which causes drowsiness. It’s so good that we may even have a bowl of it ourselves before we hit the hay (assuming that the kids are already tucked up).
Leafy green vegetables
These have a number of health benefits, one of which is that they too contain the amino acid that helps children drift off into the land of nod. Fire them in with some chicken for dinner and the whole household will be fighting to keep their eyes open.
