If you’ve been struggling to sleep soundly at night, a new study suggests that prebiotics may be able to help. According to the American Sleep Association, roughly 30 percent of adults suffer from insomnia. The remedies for sleeplessness run the gambit from drinking warm milk before bed, taking a warm bath, using essential oils and darkening your sleeping space. Unfortunately, for many people, none of these options work. But a new study out of the University of Colorado at Boulder suggests prebiotics may be the key to helping Americans sleep soundly again.
Losing Sleep
A restful night’s sleep is essential to overall health, but many Americans are selling themselves short night after night. According to the ASA, sleep requirements vary by age, but the average adult needs roughly seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
While these recommendations are the healthy baseline for sleep, a 2013 Gallup survey confirmed that 40% of Americans are getting less than seven hours of sleep a night. So what can be done to help Americans get to sleep and stay asleep? Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder say prebiotics may be the answer.
Prebiotics to Promote Healthy Sleep?
The new study showed that dietary prebiotics can improve non-REM sleep, as well as REM sleep after a stressful event. Prebiotics are dietary fibers that are found naturally in foods like raw garlic, chicory, artichokes and onions. When good bacteria digest prebiotic fiber, they release metabolic byproducts, and according to some research, those byproducts can influence brain function.
Getting Your Fill of Prebiotics
Foods that naturally contain prebiotics are limited, but as mentioned above, they can be found in foods like raw garlic, chicory, artichokes and onions. A great way to incorporate consistent prebiotics into your diet is to take a prebiotic fiber, like Great Gut Prebiotic Fiber. It’s packed with all the good stuff you need and none of the stuff you don’t.
If you’re ready to start sleeping soundly again, consider trying out Great Gut Prebiotic Fiber to help support your gut health.