Doctor reveals simple diet hack that can help you sleep better at night: 'Do it two hours before bed for the best night's sleep'
This is because it contains tryptophan—an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin—'which can have a calming effect on your brain' said Dr Kunal Sood.
Some studies have suggested different foods with tryptophan can help improve sleep quality.
But it is also high in healthy fats which prevent blood sugar level spikes, which can be a cause for waking up during the night, added the US-based anesthesiologist.
'Lastly peanut butter also contains magnesium which has been shown to also relax you and improve sleep quality,' he said in a recent video posted on TikTok.
These claims are backed up by research on other foods, but a study in 2024 found peanut butter didn't have a positive effect on sleep.
However, the study involved 40 firefighters who commonly have sleep difficulties due to their work shifts, so the results may differ for the average person.
Dr Sood was reacting to a video posted two years ago by a 29-year-old woman from Pennsylvania in the US that amassed 1.8million views.
In the other video, Kat Eilonwy said: 'So, apparently eating a spoon of peanut butter before bed helps drop your cortisol levels to help you sleep.'
Cortisol, often known as the 'stress hormone' can disrupt sleep if levels are elevated in the evening.
Previously researchers have found those who regularly eat peanut butter have lower cortisol levels—so, the snack may help you wind down before sleeping.
The study also found those who ate peanut butter reported lower levels of anxiety and depression.
In the comment section of her video, one user said: 'I discovered that a spoonful before bedtime helps me sleep through the night.'
Another user wrote: 'Every night I take one slice of bread, slap some PB on it and fold it in half. I'm always asleep within 30 minutes of eating that.'
A third user added: 'It works! I've been doing it for three months, doing it to help my stomach when I couldn't sleep and noticed I slept better after a spoonful of peanut butter.'
After posting his video, Dr Sood also received comments from social media user saying it has helped them.
One user said: 'I have trouble sleeping almost every night. Peanut butter has helped me a lot.'
Meanwhile another commented: 'Wow okay good reason to eat peanut butter.'
A third commented: 'I thought I was the only one who did this!'
Other health benefits of peanut butter include a lower risk of type two diabetes and colorectal cancer.
However, at the end of the video, Dr Sood added: 'It is worth noting while peanut butter may help some people sleep, it is not for everyone.'
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