Healthy Nighttime Snacks for Kids

Do you find it absurd giving your kids snacks before going to bed? You shouldn’t be because keeping the tummy full and joyful before going to bed means a lot rather than waking up so early like 5:00 am to get the belly refilled. A bedtime snack should be taken an hour before the child's bedtime because it will help make your kids fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Here is a list of healthy snacks you can give your kids at night:

Banana

Bananas are a great source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and tryptophan, an amino acid that produces serotonin that aids the body to modulate sleep and provides the relaxation your body muscles needs. You can enjoy this either blending it to get a smoothie or eating it just like that.

Oatmeal

Complex carbs have many health benefits and oats are rich with complex carbohydrates which aids in digesting slowly, stimulates serotonin, and this hormone helps decrease stress level. Oats are a great source of melatonin which regulates our sleep and wake cycle. So a warm bowl of oatmeal isn't a lousy bedtime snack.

Dairy Products

Milk, yogurt, and cheese are examples of dairy products, and they are rich with a great source of calcium which contains amino acid tryptophan. It induces sleep, helps in digestion, builds muscle, and increases your quality of sleep. A glass of warm milk or milk with cereals is also considerable.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a great way to produce the nutrients your body needs to fall and stay asleep all night. It contains vitamins and minerals that every kid need.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is rich in protein. It contains an amino acid called tryptophan which is converted to the brain as melatonin to aid sleepiness. It is more effective when eaten with carbohydrates like bread, and jelly, to help boost the tryptophan hormones. 

Honey

Honey includes copper, iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, zinc and sodium. Taking a little amount of sugar before bed is good because it helps the brain function at night. Your kids can have 1-2 teaspoons or eat with toast before going to bed. 

Apples 

Apples help in relaxing muscle and nerves which speeds slumber. It is rich in potassium and magnesium. You can serve it with peanut butter or string cheese.

For healthier snack options or the most healthy portions of the snacks above, talk to your family doctor or nutritionist.