Bananas have been called the perfect pre-bedtime snack for years now. But turns out it may not actually be doing anything for your sleep quality. A recent study revealed that bananas – although nutritious – may not actually help us fall asleep.
Bananas are great sources of with magnesium, potassium and Vitamin B6 – nutrients that have calming effects on the body. However, one banana cannot curb the daily requirements of these nutrients for the body. For example, bananas are known for their potassium content but the truth is that one banana can provide only 10% of the body’s daily potassium requirement.
Bananas have long been touted as the perfect pre-bedtime snack, but recent research suggests they may not significantly improve sleep quality. While bananas are rich in magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin B6—nutrients known for their calming effects—they may not provide enough of these nutrients to make a noticeable difference. For instance, although bananas are praised for their potassium content, a single banana only supplies about 10% of the daily potassium requirement, making it unlikely to have a major impact on sleep.
Vitamin B6 plays a role in mood regulation and boosting serotonin production. The daily requirement for Vitamin B6 is 1.3 milligrams, and bananas provide approximately 0.4 milligrams of this nutrient. While bananas can contribute to meeting the Vitamin B6 requirement, they only provide a portion of the daily needed amount and can help support sleep due to their B6 content.
