I tried eating peanut butter before bed and it changed my sleep cycle

This article was updated on July 16, 2021.

For a week, I ate straight peanut butter right before bedtime, and the effect it had on me was pretty amazing. I had expected it to keep me a little less hungry throughout the night. It definitely did that. But, it also had an effect on my body that truly surprised me.

Eating peanut butter before bed really did help to improve my sleep quality

If you are like most people, you’re probably looking for ways to improve your sleep. According to the CDC, over 30% of adults don’t get enough sleep at night, and it could be killing your career.

I am probably one of those people who don’t get enough sleep.

That is until I discovered how beneficial eating peanut butter can be. I woke up feeling more well-rested, refreshed, and less hungry in the morning than before. This simple change helped improve sleep quality significantly.

Peanut butter contains many nutrients that help your body recover from the day. As a healthy snack, peanut butter provides essential nutrients without contributing to weight gain. This can be particularly beneficial for those with health conditions that affect sleep. It helps rebuild your muscles and provides long-lasting energy to keep your body satisfied throughout the night and might even reduce your morning cravings. This can help prevent overeating by keeping you full longer.

And, peanut butter has a natural sleep-inducing chemical that helps you fall asleep faster. This contributes to improving sleep quality over time.

“Peanuts contains tryptophan, the same amino acid that’s in turkey — and we all know how tired we are after that big Thanksgiving dinner”, wrote The List.

“If you’re worried that peanut butter is too caloric of a snack to enjoy before bed, keep in mind that indulging in this filling treat may mean that once your head hits that pillow, you will be done eating for the night, and you may even find yourself craving a smaller breakfast the following morning,” The List added.

It’s because peanut butter is a dense food. While it contains some saturated fat, it is also rich in unsaturated fats which are healthier. It contains more calories than other foods, but your body will use those calories for nighttime energy for long periods of time.

The tasty treat also increases thermogenesis in the body, which kickstarts your metabolism due to the energy required to digest peanut butter. This process can aid in weight loss by burning calories throughout the night. When eaten before bed, this helps your body to burn calories throughout the night. Contrary to popular belief, this does not necessarily lead to weight gain.

And, Healthline says tryptophan gets converted into a molecule called 5-HTP, which is used to make serotonin and melatonin, two chemicals responsible for lulling us into sleep. This can help regulate sleep patterns and improve overall sleep health.

“Serotonin impacts every part of your body, from your emotions to your motor skills. Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer,” Healthline said. The chemical also reduces depression and regulates anxiety. This is crucial for those who suffer from poor sleep due to stress or anxiety.

No wonder I felt more well-rested during the week. I experienced more restful nights and felt more energized during the day.

Put some peanut butter on whole wheat to get the added sleep-inducing kick of carbohydrates.

Many peanut butter products contain sugar. Resist buying sugary versions of peanut butter and, whenever possible, opt for natural versions without added ingredients.

“A good rule of thumb for choosing a healthy peanut butter is to look for one with the fewest ingredients,” says Healthline.

“Less healthy products may contain added sugar and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which offer extra calories and potentially adverse health effects,” they added.

Look at the ingredients list on the side of peanut butter containers for all-natural options that mainly contain dry roasted peanuts and some salt.