Trouble sleeping? A plant-based diet could help with insomnia, experts say. Here’s what to eat to get the rest you need
- Many of us suffer sleep problems that can affect our well-being. Studies link eating more plant-based foods to falling asleep faster and better-quality sleep
- On World Sleep Day, we look at what fruit, vegetables and nuts are best for treating insomnia, sleep-promoting eating habits and more, with the help of experts
On World Sleep Day, we are reminded of the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Sleeplessness is a common concern. Stress, long working hours and less than ideal sleeping environments can keep us from falling asleep and getting good-quality rest at night.
Insomnia can negatively affect our overall health, with many studies linking the sleep disorder with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, obesity and memory problems, weakened immunity and low sex drive.
In Hong Kong, the Population Health Survey of 2014/15 – the most recent one to assess sleeping habits – found that around 48 per cent of people aged 15 and above experienced sleeping problems, namely “difficulty falling asleep within 30 minutes”, “intermittent awakenings or difficulty in maintaining sleep during the night”, and “early morning awakening and [inability] to sleep again” in the 30 days preceding the survey.
The percentage of people who experienced each problem three or more times a week was 6.8 per cent, 7.3 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively.
While there are many reasons a person might suffer from insomnia, a recent study found that what we eat can play a role in our ability to fall and stay asleep.
