Beauty sleep is an integral part of keeping your skin looking healthy. Because when you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces the stress hormone cortisol. And high levels of cortisol lead to inflammation in the body, thus, hurting your skin's quality. This leads to conditions like acne or psoriasis, with an increase in the breakdown of collagen (collagen is a protein in the body that keeps your skin looking firm and young). In other words,without the zzz's, your skin’s natural glow decreases and the health of your skin is compromised.

To improve sleep, change and make better your diet. Include foods in your diet that will support your body in sleeping better. Here are 5 sleep boosting foods.

#1 Cherries: A natural source of melatonin, helping control your sleep and wake cycles. Thus, promoting sleepiness to help with shut-eye!

#2 Bananas: High in amino acids and tryptophan - sleep inducing agents, bananas help promote relaxation and calmness.  

#3 Salmon: Salmon is rich with Vitamin B6, which assists with the production of melatonin. Melatonin, again, is a hormone that helps promote sleep.

#4 Almonds: High in magnesium, these small treats are powerful relaxation agents.

#5 Green Veggies:  A diet deficient in calcium leads to difficulties with falling asleep. However, a diet filled with green leafy vegetables is a great source of calcium. Great options include: kale, broccoli, kelp and spinach.

Your thoughts!

What foods have helped you fall asleep? When counting sheep no longer works. Let us know in the comment section below.