Have you ever considered how your toddler’s nutrition affects their sleep? 😴 Restlessness and disrupted sleep can* be associated with their diet, particularly if there is an imbalance in macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) or deficiencies in macronutrients, such as iron (keep an eye out for our post tomorrow to find out how iron can impact sleep 👀).
Foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan help the body produce serotonin and melatonin, which regulated our mood, digestion, and circadian rhythm which can improve sleep quality 💤🌙
Incorporating tryptophan-rich foods, such as fish, chicken, meat, eggs, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy, soy, and tofu into your toddler’s diet can* improve their sleep and sleep quality 🍳. These foods not only provide essential nutrients, but also ensure adequate fibre, protein, and healthy fats, keeping your toddler fuller for longer while promoting better sleep 💪🏼
A study of infants and children also revealed that eating foods high in tryptophan for breakfast significantly improved their quality of sleep 👏🏻. In contrast, a diet low in tryptophan in the morning led to increased difficulty in falling asleep at bedtime and early rising 😩
So, including tryptophan-rich foods in your child’s diet alongside a variety of fruits and vegetables may help to improve their sleep! 😍
If you need further support in consolidating your baby’s sleep, book a consultation or download the “Sleep Essentials Guide” at www.settletosleep.com.au to restore sleep for you and your family 💫🩷🌸