Nutrition for a Restful Sleep

What you eat can help or hinder your sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The following tips can help you get a good night's rest.

• DO drink warm milk before bed. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep.

• DO eat a large breakfast, medium-sized lunch and small dinner. Digesting a big dinner can prevent you from resting comfortably.

• DO include carbohydrates on your dinner plate. Carbohydrates help your body produce serotonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

• DO try these late-night, sleep-friendly snacks: 1 cup of skim milk with 2 graham crackers or a banana smoothie made with 1 cup skim milk, vanilla yogurt and a banana.

• DON'T drink caffeinated coffee, tea and sodas after 3 p.m.

• DON'T use alcohol as a sleep aid -- it causes restless sleep.