Can bananas help babies sleep better? We find out

Doctors often recommend bananas — rich in nutrients essential for growth and development — for babies after six months of age. But do bananas also help them sleep better?

According to a sleep consultant’s Instagram post, this bedtime tip backed by science can “significantly aid their sleep“. “Bananas are rich in magnesium, which helps relax muscles and calm nerves, preparing your little one for a more restful sleep. Additionally, they contain tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to serotonin and then melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. So next time bedtime rolls around, consider adding a banana to their routine for a peaceful night’s rest!” the post read.

Considering many parents struggle with putting their babies to sleep at night, we requested an expert to decode this hack going viral on social media.

Bananas, which are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre, magnesium, and potassium, are often added to the daily meals of babies due to their soft and easy-to-digest properties. “Magnesium and potassium help in muscle relaxation and cramp relief which, in turn, can promote good quality sleep,” said Dr Sanju Sidaraddi, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

Dr Sidaraddi added that bananas may promote serotonin and melatonin production, which helps in lowering stress and anxiety thereby helping with sleep. “While sleep and banana consumption has been studied in a Research Gate study, good quality studies are scarce on eating bananas and sleeping in babies,” contended Dr Sidaraddi.

If your little one often struggles to sleep at night despite “trying home remedies or environmental modifications”, then consider consulting a doctor to discuss your concerns,” added Dr Sidaraddi.

 

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The expert noted that there could be various underlying conditions leading to sleeplessness in babies. “It becomes essential to promptly address them for effective diagnosis,” said Dr Sidaraddi.

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