Will A Tablespoon Of Honey Before Bed Help You Sleep Better?

Honey is a very common food. So much so that it is present in the pantries of many homes around the world. Throughout history, it has often been used as a remedy for various issues. For this reason it has been the object of study on numerous occasions.

As it has been found to have various medicinal properties, it has become one of the most accepted foods as an adjunct, mainly for respiratory health problems, such as coughs, for example.

Now, how true is it that a tablespoon of honey helps us sleep better? Today we want to solve this question with the data provided by science.

A tablespoon of honey to sleep better?

In recent years, some research has been carried out that links the consumption of honey with a better quality of sleep, especially when sleeping difficulties are associated with other diseases. However, it is important to clarify that it is not a miracle remedy for sleeping or fighting insomnia.

In fact, it should not be considered a first-line treatment for sleep disorders and, in some cases, it may not be effective. Therefore, before knowing how it could be beneficial, it must be clear that it is not a substitute for medical treatments and must be complemented with other good habits.

Research on consuming honey to sleep

Various scientific studies, such as one published through Current Signal Transduction Therapy , suggest that the consumption of certain foods can induce sleep thanks to their tryptophan content and their ability to stimulate serotonin.

Tryptophan, in particular, is an essential amino acid that is involved in the quality of sleep. For its part, serotonin leads to relaxation and helps signal the brain that it is “time to sleep.” But what does all this have to do with honey?

Well, organic honey is one of those foods with these characteristics. In fact, its sugars slightly increase insulin, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain. From that, serotonergic activity is stimulated and, later, the production of melatonin.

Melatonin helps us adjust the body’s internal clock and sleep-wake cycles. People with insomnia or who are experiencing anxiety processes after having quit smoking also consume melatonin. In these cases, honey can also be useful to us.

This, it seems, could explain why honey improves quality of sleep. Even in a study published in the medical journal Pediatrics , honey served as an adjunct to improve sleep in children with nighttime coughs.

Honey to sleep better: how to take it?

It is clear that honey is not a unique treatment against insomnia. However, consuming it in small amounts – within a healthy lifestyle and a proper sleep ritual – can contribute to a better rest. Therefore, if you want to try it to try to sleep better, keep the following in mind.

The honey must be organic, preferably from a beekeeper. The reason? Many of the honeys that we buy in supermarkets are highly treated and processed, losing many of their original properties. They also tend to have a large amount of added sugar.

According to popular wisdom, it would be convenient for us to take this remedy every night (one tablespoon). We can even dilute it in a relaxing tea or milk.

See your doctor if insomnia persists

Remember that sleep problems should not be ignored, but should be addressed as soon as possible with the doctor. While they seem normal at first, over time they can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to go for a consultation and remedy it. This way you will gain in health and well-being.