As with pineapple, there are other fruits which could have a beneficial impact on our sleep. While there’s no such thing as a fruit-based magic bullet for sleep, these plants can help to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function – including resting and sleeping.

In general, sleep experts tend to recommend having a good two-hour break between eating and sleeping, so while these fruits might help in the long run, don’t try to cram them in just before bedtime. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water before brushing your teeth after you’ve eaten them to prevent acid erosion and damage from any lingering sugar.

Cherries

“Cherries, particularly tart cherries, are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles,” Kirsten explains. “Consuming cherries or tart cherry juice can help increase melatonin levels in the body, potentially improving sleep quality and duration. They’re best eaten a couple of hours before bed to trigger that sleepy feeling that helps you drift off.”

Bananas

“Bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium, which can help relax muscles and promote better sleep,” Kirsten says. “Anything that contains magnesium can encourage relaxation, but the best thing about eating bananas before bed is that the tryptophan they contain can also provide added benefits.”

6 fruits that could help you sleep better, according to an expert