Top 16 Foods That Help You Relax and Sleep Better

In traditional Chinese medicine, pig heart is considered cooling, with a sweet and salty taste and no toxic properties. It is known for its ability to strengthen the heart, improve energy, and assist in recovery. The heart is the most flavorful organ among the internal organs, rich in nutrients, and often consumed by mothers to nourish their pregnancy. Moreover, pig heart is highly beneficial for individuals suffering from nervous exhaustion or insomnia.

There are many dishes made from pig heart that are both affordable and nutritious. When combined with angelica, pig heart provides excellent heat-relieving benefits, especially in hot summer weather.

How to Make Pig Heart Stewed with Angelica:

• Clean the pig heart, cut it into halves, and blanch it with boiling water. After blanching with hot water, blanch again with rice wine to remove any unpleasant smell and blood residue. Once cleaned, score the heart into slices and let it drain.
• Wash angelica and dang shen, then stuff them inside the pig heart and secure with skewers.
• Place the stuffed pig heart in a pot, adding ginger slices, onions, garlic, and a little wine. Stew on high heat until the heart becomes tender. Once the heart is cooked, remove the angelica and dang shen, and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Insomnia is a common condition affecting people of all ages, especially the elderly. Temporary insomnia often results from sudden weather changes, stress, overwork, or physical exhaustion. To improve your sleep, you might want to try a soothing dish like pork soup with oysters.

Pork Soup with Oysters is made with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. This soup provides your body with the energy it needs, helps combat insomnia, and alleviates feelings of anxiety and a racing heart.

Here's how to prepare Pork Soup with Oysters:

• Start with 150g of fresh oysters and 150g of lean pork. You can also add any vegetables of your choice.
• Clean the pork and cut it into pieces, then add it to a pot with oysters and enough water to make a soup. Cook until the pork is tender, then season to taste.
• This dish can be consumed at any time and is particularly effective for relieving insomnia, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

Apples are small, woody plants that can grow over 10 meters tall, with shiny green leaves and occasional thorns. The small flowers are white or light green, and the fruit is egg-shaped. While immature, the fruit is green, smooth-skinned, but darkens as it ripens, turning red. Apple season is from April to May for flowers and July to September for fruit. People consume apples and also use them for medicinal purposes.

In traditional Chinese medicine, apples are sweet and warm in nature, benefiting the spleen and stomach. They nourish the stomach, boost energy, generate body fluids, regulate the immune system, and enhance the effectiveness of other herbs. Apples, when combined with other herbs, are an effective remedy. In traditional Chinese medicine, a commonly used ingredient is “da tao” (Chinese date). Health experts suggest that the onion and apple soup is an excellent solution for better sleep.

The dish is prepared as follows:

• Clean the apples, slice them into 5 equal parts, remove the seeds, and soak in salted water.
• Clean and slice the tomatoes into rounds.
• Clean the beef and slice thinly.
• Soak the mushrooms in hot water, clean them, and remove the stems.
• Peel and slice the ginger.
• Clean and bundle the green onions.
• Start with a clay pot and add the beef, mushrooms, ginger, onions, apples, water, and white wine.
• Place it on the stove and simmer on low heat for about an hour, then remove the onions. Add the tomatoes, pepper, and seasoning powder, then cook for another 10 minutes to complete the soup.

Temporary insomnia is often caused by factors such as weather, a busy schedule, stress, or a weakened body, and is not necessarily a medical condition. By adjusting your diet and daily routines in a more scientific way and avoiding overuse of sleeping pills, you can restore balance. Regular physical activities like walking, massaging, and consuming certain medicinal foods can help stabilize your nerves and improve sleep. The chicken egg and millet porridge is an affordable and easily accessible food that could help enhance your sleep quality, so why not give it a try?

How to prepare chicken egg and millet porridge:

• The ingredients for this porridge are simple: 100g of millet and 1 chicken egg.
• To prepare, wash the millet thoroughly, place it in a pot with 1 liter of water, and bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it cook into porridge.
• When the porridge is almost ready, crack the egg into it, stir well, season to taste, and cook for a little longer. Consume it once each night to help significantly improve your sleep and calm your nerves.

Pork porridge with medicinal herbs is a comforting dish that helps promote calmness and better sleep, making it ideal for individuals suffering from long-term insomnia. The ingredients include: 150g of lean pork, 12g of yuan zhi, 15g of fu shen, and 100g of rice. This porridge is best served hot, and you can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs on top!

Here’s how to prepare it:

• First, cook the medicinal herbs (yuan zhi and fu shen) to extract the medicinal water, discarding the remaining herbs.
• Clean and finely chop the lean pork, then season it with spices.
• Wash the rice, then cook it with the medicinal water to create the porridge base. When the porridge is almost done, add the seasoned pork, stir, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Allow the pork to cook through, then turn off the heat when ready to serve.

Research shows that salmon, rich in Omega 3, is a nutrient that promotes better sleep. You can pair salmon with fresh vegetables to create a healthy and nutritious salad. The combination of fiber-rich vegetables and Omega 3-packed salmon makes it an excellent choice if you're looking for a meal that supports restful sleep.

Here’s how to make a salmon salad:

• Peel and wash the onions and shallots, slice them thinly, then soak them in water with a little vinegar and sugar to reduce their pungency.
• Next, wash the cherry tomatoes, lettuce, olives, and cilantro. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the cilantro, cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and slice the olives.
• Boil the egg, peel, and cut it into quarters.
• Wash the salmon, cut it into pieces, and pat it dry with a towel or paper to remove excess moisture.
• Season the salmon with a pinch of salt, cilantro, and pepper, and marinate it for 15 minutes before pan-searing it until golden brown on both sides.
• Sauté the onions and shallots in olive oil, then add red vinegar and orange juice. Simmer the mixture until it softens, then turn off the heat. For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of cream.
• Finally, arrange the salmon in a bowl, add the vegetables and egg, then drizzle the dressing on top. Mix everything together before serving to ensure the flavors are well incorporated.

Dishes made from pumpkin are a must-have in a meal plan for improving sleep quality, especially stir-fried pumpkin or pumpkin soup. These dishes are loved by many people for being delicious and also the perfect solution to the question: what to eat for better sleep.

However, when stir-frying pumpkin, you should only use a moderate amount of oil to enhance the flavor without overdoing it. Too much oil can interfere with sleep quality, as consuming excessive amounts of oil or fat during the day can lead to difficulty sleeping. But if you're not fond of stir-frying, you can opt for pumpkin soup, which is also a great way to stay hydrated!

How to make pork bone pumpkin soup:

• Rinse the pork bones with salt water for 3 minutes, then wash them again with clean water and set them aside to drain.
• In a bowl, mix the following seasonings: 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce, and a pinch of ground pepper. Stir well and marinate the pork bones for 20 minutes.
• While the meat is marinating, finely chop garlic and green onions. Peel the pumpkin. Be sure to wear gloves when peeling to avoid sticky residue that’s hard to clean. After peeling, wash and cut the pumpkin into bite-sized pieces.
• First, stir-fry the pork bones for better flavor in the broth. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pot, add garlic and a portion of green onions, and sauté until fragrant. Then add the pork bones and stir until the meat is slightly browned. Pour in 1 liter of water, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
• Skim off any scum that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear. After 30 minutes, add the pumpkin and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Ensure the pumpkin is tender but not overcooked. Adjust the seasoning to taste and turn off the heat.

Seaweed soup is an excellent dish for both your health and sleep quality. A small bowl of seaweed soup before bed can make a great light meal. If you're looking for a suitable dish to improve your sleep, you should try making this seaweed soup – it's both nutritious and delicious!

How to make seaweed soup with beef:

• Soak the dried seaweed and remove the fishy odor as described earlier. Afterward, cut it into pieces about 5cm long.
• Rinse the beef, and slice it thinly. If you'd like to remove any smell from the beef, you can rub it with fresh ginger, lemon, salt, vinegar, or wine. Season the beef with white wine, ground pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.
• Heat some cooking oil in a pan, add chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the beef and quickly stir-fry over high heat until the beef is just browned. Add the seaweed and continue stir-frying.
• Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and stir-fry until the beef is cooked through. Then, pour in warm water just enough to cover the ingredients to make the soup.
• Cover and bring the soup to a boil. Adjust the seasoning as necessary. Before turning off the heat, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook until the seaweed is tender, around 5 to 7 minutes.

Dishes made with beef are excellent for improving your sleep due to the presence of tryptophan, which helps you sleep better. Beef also helps reduce stress, a common cause of insomnia. You can create many dishes with beef, including beef stew, steak, and especially stir-fried beef with celery and leeks, which is beneficial for sleep due to the combination of fiber-rich vegetables and tryptophan-rich beef.

How to make stir-fried beef with water spinach:

• To eliminate the smell of beef, rinse it briefly with saltwater. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with cold water, drain, and slice into thin pieces.
• Pick and wash the water spinach, discarding wilted or damaged leaves, and let it drain in a colander. If the water spinach is too long, feel free to cut it in half.
• Boil 500ml of water in a pot. Once boiling, add the water spinach. When the water boils again, remove the spinach and place it in a bowl of ice water for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drain the spinach well.
• Next, heat a pan over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the beef firms up, then reduce the heat.
• Add 2 teaspoons of seasoning powder, 1/2 teaspoon of MSG, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 4 tablespoons of water. Stir well for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb into the beef.
• After 5 minutes, when the liquid has reduced, add the cooked water spinach along with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and stir-fry for another 2 minutes so the spinach absorbs the flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste and then turn off the heat.

Steamed asparagus is an ideal food choice to help you relax and sleep better, as it contains high amounts of magnesium, zinc, water, and is rich in vitamins A, C, K, E, and folic acid. These nutrients help relax your body and prepare it for a peaceful, natural sleep. While asparagus can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling or stir-frying, steaming is the best option for sleep. You can also blend it into a smoothie for an added benefit of promoting better sleep.

How to make steamed asparagus:

• Wash the asparagus thoroughly, making sure to remove any dirt between the stalks. Pay extra attention to the tips and rinse well. If any sand remains, soak the asparagus in a bowl of water to clean it.
• After cleaning, let the asparagus drain. If the stalks are long, you can cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
• Boil a pot of water and add some salt and seasoning to preserve the asparagus's bright green color. Once the water boils, add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.
• Prepare a bowl of ice water and place the asparagus in it for 3-5 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a plate. This will maintain its crispness and vibrant green color.

Crab Soup with Climbing Spinach is not only great for a peaceful night's sleep, but it also provides excellent cooling benefits for the body. It’s a great choice among dishes that promote restful sleep thanks to its high nutritional value and simple preparation method. If you use young climbing spinach flowers, the dish will taste even better.

Recipe for Crab Soup with Climbing Spinach:

• Clean the fresh crabs, remove the shell and apron, set aside. Remove the apron, wash, and drain. Place the crab meat in a mortar, grind it with a pinch of salt.
• Use a spoon to scoop out the crab roe, put it in a bowl with 1/4 teaspoon of seasoning powder. Rinse briefly with water to remove the smell.
• Mix the ground crab with 1 liter of water, gently squeeze it to ensure the crab meat dissolves evenly. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve with 600ml of water, then strain again to remove all residues.
• Place the crab broth over high heat, adjust the seasoning to taste, stir with chopsticks in a clockwise motion until the broth turns cloudy. When the broth is boiling and the crab meat is floating on top, reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Pick the climbing spinach flowers, discard any damaged or bug-infested parts, wash with saltwater, and drain.
• When the soup boils, add the climbing spinach flowers, increase the heat to bring it back to a boil. Add the cleaned crab roe to the soup, allowing it to dissolve, forming a golden surface. Turn off the heat.
• Adjust the seasoning with flavoring powder and seasoning to taste.
• Serve the soup in a bowl and enjoy.

White Duck Soup with Winter Melon is a dish that not only promotes deep sleep but also has soothing, cooling, and detoxifying effects on the body. If you're still uncertain about the best food for a good night's sleep, this dish is a perfect option. It combines great flavor and high nutritional value, providing a balance of fiber and nutrients from duck meat.

Recipe for White Duck Soup with Winter Melon:

• First, clean the duck meat with 3 tablespoons of white wine (this will help the duck remain tender and fragrant during cooking).
• Rinse the duck with cold water, drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, and cut into chunks. To enhance the flavor of the melon, marinate it with 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder and mix well.
• Trim the stems off the shiitake mushrooms.
• Chop the green onions and cilantro finely.
• Sauté 1/2 tablespoon of minced shallots until fragrant, then add the duck pieces and stir-fry until the duck turns golden. Add the mushrooms, carrots, and winter melon. Pour in 1.5 liters of water, season with 3 tablespoons of seasoning powder and 1 tablespoon of monosodium glutamate. Simmer until the duck is cooked through, then turn off the heat.
• Finally, serve the soup in a bowl, garnishing with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve while the soup is hot.

Green Banana and Snail Soup is a great option not only for improving sleep but also a favorite dish for many people. Green bananas with snails are rich in nutrients, providing zinc and offering a calming effect, making it an excellent way to relieve stress and help you relax.

How to make Green Banana and Snail Soup:

• Chop garlic and onion, then fry until fragrant. Add the snails and stir-fry briefly. Next, add sliced green bananas and fried pork belly. Season with shrimp paste and seasoning powder to your taste, and stir until the flavors are well absorbed.
• Add 3 tablespoons of tamarind, pork skin sauce, and blended green banana sauce into the pot. Pour in water to the same level as the ingredients, creating a slightly golden mixture. Cover and simmer until the bananas are tender and the soup thickens.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adjusting the sourness of the tamarind to your preference. Add finely chopped herbs. Once the soup is boiling, remove it from the heat and serve while hot.

Lotus seeds, also known as Lien Nhuc, have a sweet taste and cooling properties. They are beneficial for the heart, spleen, and mind, often used to treat weakness, poor appetite, and insomnia. Moreover, lotus seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Incorporating lotus seed porridge into your diet can provide energy, aid in recovery, regenerate nerve cells, reduce fatigue, and enhance immunity. You can prepare various dishes with lotus seeds for a good night’s sleep, such as lotus seed porridge, lotus seed longan soup, and coconut lotus drink.

How to make Lotus Seed Porridge:

• Wash the rice thoroughly and place it in a pot.
• Clean and chop the pork (or use pre-ground pork).
• Wash the lotus seeds, remove the cores, and soak them in warm water for several hours.
• Boil the eggs, peel them, and set aside.
• Chop the carrots, shallots, and spring onions.
• Simmer the lotus seeds with 1 liter of water and ½ teaspoon of salt until soft. Add both glutinous rice and regular rice and cook until everything is tender.
• Add the pork and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the carrots, shallots, and spring onions.
• Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, remove from heat, adjust the seasoning, and serve hot with boiled eggs.

Black Fungus, also known as the ‘Wood Ear’ mushroom, has a sweet taste and neutral properties. It is beneficial for blood nourishment, circulation, and calming the mind. Thus, incorporating black fungus into meals is an effective remedy for improving deep sleep. Western medicine believes that eating black fungus can help lower cholesterol, particularly the harmful kind.

Black Fungus can inhibit platelet aggregation, prevent blood clots caused by vessel blockage, and reduce plaque buildup in blood vessels. It is an ideal food for individuals with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, poor blood circulation, and coronary artery insufficiency.

Dishes that can be prepared using black fungus include:

• Steamed Fungus with Rock Sugar: 10g white fungus, 10g black fungus, 30g rock sugar. Soak the two types of fungus, remove the stems, rinse, and place in a bowl with rock sugar and enough water. Steam or cook them in a double boiler for about an hour. Consume both the fungi and the liquid to nourish the body, detoxify, and promote better sleep.
• Black Fungus and Lingzhi Soup: 15g black fungus, 6g white fungus, 6g Lingzhi mushroom, 2-3 slices of ginger, 30g jujube. Cook all ingredients with 750ml of water until soft, then divide into two servings before meals.
• Black Fungus and Lotus Seed Soup: 30g lotus seeds, 30g black fungus, 20g jujube. Simmer these ingredients with 750ml of water until the lotus seeds are tender. Optionally, add honey or rock sugar to consume in the afternoon or evening.

Water Spinach, also known as ‘Water Morning Glory,’ has a sweet taste and cooling properties. It aids in detoxification, harmonizes internal organs, improves digestion, cools the liver, detoxifies, calms the mind, strengthens bones, and promotes urination. Traditional medicine also suggests that it nourishes the stomach’s Yin, generates body fluids, reduces inflammation, relieves constipation, cools the body, calms the mind, promotes sleep, strengthens bones, and regulates the spleen and stomach. It is ideal for those with insufficient stomach energy, treating fever, goiter, heart palpitations, improving blood circulation, treating dysentery, and insect bites.

Water Spinach is commonly eaten raw or used in sour soups to improve sleep. To eat raw: pick fresh water spinach shoots, discard the roots and outer white layers, then wash them thoroughly in saltwater (you can eat both the stems and leaves) and dip in fermented fish sauce or soy sauce. Cooking a sour soup with water spinach and other herbs can enhance your sleep. You can also make a tea with water spinach...

How to Make Water Spinach Tea:

• 300g water spinach, 25g taro, 10g lotus leaves, all washed clean
• Simmer them in water until soft, add seasoning as desired, and consume both the solid and liquid parts.
• Eat 3-5 times a week, preferably when the tea is still warm. It is best consumed 30 minutes before bedtime.