Late-night cravings are very hard to resist, and part of the reason for unknown weight gain. After-dinner treats, or desserts, are commonly craved after a savory meal. One of the favorites, chocolate, has been controversial for years. It has a trace of caffeine so it may not be the best option for someone trying to get a good night's sleep. It also has theobromine, which is a compound that can produce wakefulness.
However, chocolate is not all bad. It does have nutrients that can help with sleep. One ounce of 70% cacao has more than 15% of daily recommended doses of magnesium. This is the same as half a cup of black beans or quinoa. Magnesium can be a helpful sleep aid, as it can promote relaxation and improve sleep. Chocolate also has the amino acid tryptophan, which can help the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that can regulate sleep and positivity.
The combination of chocolate and sleep aids may provide you with the perfect balance to get that late-night sweet while also helping you get a good night's rest. Continue reading to learn about chocolate-covered sleep aids to see if they are a good fit for you.
Dream by Fx Chocolate
Dream is the name of a product sold by Fx. They also offer chocolate for other daily needs, such as focus, immunity, beauty, and more. Each square has 3 mg of melatonin and 5-HTP, which is a compound that can help with serotonin production.
There also is no table sugar in them. They are only made with allulose, which is a low-calorie, naturally occurring sweetener. Allulose is found in figs, raisons, and other fruits that don't raise blood sugar. Therefore, if you are diabetic, or concerned about consuming too much sugar right before bed, these are a safe option. You can get 15 pieces of chocolate for $20!
Sleep by Good Day Chocolate
These sleep aids are like a childhood favorite - M&Ms! They are tasty and also fun, with various colors. Not only that, but they are effectiving, coming in doses of 1, 3, and 5 mg of melatonin. Therefore, you can choose the dose that you need (after consulting a doctor of course) that helps you get to sleep.
Additionally, they contain chamomile, which is a natural plant that helps you drift off to sleep. They are non-GMO, made with Fair Trade Chocolate. And the dyes are natural too, being made from fruits and vegetables. Therefore, you want to avoid anything processed, these are the perfect treats for you. You can buy 80 pieces of the 1 mg tablet for $28, 3 mg for $32, and 5 mg for $36.
Sleepy Chocolate by The Functional Chocolate Company
This company is the embodiment of their name. They make chocolate that is functional and serves a purpose other than satisfying a chocolate craving! They have items that help with energy, focus, mood, PMS, libidio, and bedtime.
Their bedtime bar is made from a blueberry-lavender mix with 60% cacao. Other ingredients include chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian root, GABA, and melatonin. This also is a Fair Trade cocoa chocolate company and non-GMO. You can purchase a 1.75 oz bar for $7.50 that has three two-square servings.
Sleep Hot Cocoa by Hydrant
The perfect nightcap is not that glass of wine. But it's actually this steaming cup of hot cocoa made by Hydrant. It has compounds like soothing L-theanine, GABA, and 3 mg of melatonin. Also, to avoid dehydration - which is key to getting a good night's sleep - Sleep also contains electrolytes, minerals, and other elements that help to maintain the body's fluid balance.
It's really easy to make. Just add a packet to 4-8oz. of hot water or milk, 30 minutes before bedtime. Ensure you don't drink too much so you don't have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. You can purchase 10 single-serve packets for $12!
Slumber Party Sleep Boost by Love Sweat Fitness
This drink is similar to Sleep Hot Cocoa, where you just add a scoop of this powder into your milk of choice. It can be hot or cold and needs to be drank 30 minutes before bed. This drink also contains magnesium, L-theanine, GABA, valerian root, chamomile, and 2.2 mg of melatonin. If the flavor isn't sweet enough, feel free to add vanilla for a creamier flavor, or stevia, which is a sweetner. You can by one container for $35 that has 28 servings.
All of these drinks and treats are perfect to incorporate into your nighttime routine. If you try these, and still have trouble sleeping, then there may be an underlying problem. Please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.
https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/chocolate-covered-sleep-aids