Food for Thought is talking about sleep today. Going over sleep hygiene tips to help improve sleep. Making a magnesium rich banana tea, and a pumpkin breakfast porridge.

Sleepy Time Banana Tea

Ingredients:

1 banana, washed, ends cut off, and cut in half lengthwise (leave peel on)

4 cups water

Optional cinnamon or honey to taste

Directions:

1. Put both banana halves in a pot.  Add the water.
2. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and steep for 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove bananas and banana water.
4. Drink as is or add additional flavoring to your liking.

The leftover banana can be removed from the peel and eaten immediately, or stored in the freezer for a future smoothie. 

*Recipe by Dr. Michael Breus, ”The Sleep Doctor”

Pumpkin Porridge

Ingredients:

1 sugar pumpkin, washed, ends and seeds removed, skin on, cut into large pieces

water as needed

¼ cup coconut milk, or to taste

½ teaspoon cinnamon , or to taste

1 Tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

1. Pour a thin layer of water (about 1/4’ high) into the bottom of a crock-pot.  Add squash pieces. 
2. Cook on high until soft but not mushy, about 2-3 hours.
3. Drain and cool squash if not using immediately.  Store in the refrigerator until ready to make porridge.
4. In a large pot, add squash, coconut milk and cinnamon.  Stir to combine, breaking up chunks to the consistency of oatmeal. 
5. Taste and add more coconut milk or cinnamon to your liking.
6. Serve topped with chopped nuts.

You also might want to read this over at the WSJ:

Help for Middle-of-the Night Insomnia

Doctors have some surprising suggestions for anyone who wakes up and can’t fall back asleep, the most common type of insomnia