But how may almonds help improve sleep?: A practical reader guide

Dr Mridul Sharma, interventional cardiologist at Sterling Hospital: A practical reader guide

Sleepless nights are a common problem today as people deal with stress and busy schedules that can make it difficult to unwind. Many familiar hacks and tips circulate, from cutting back on caffeine to limiting screen time before bed. Let’s see what else you can add to your sleep-aid list to strengthen your counter for sleepless nights.

They reported poor sleep quality and received 60g of almonds or a calorie-matched control snack, like chidva, khakra, or cracker. Is there anything special that you can add to your diet that specifically improves sleep? Almonds may not come as a surprise, given their longstanding association with brain health. Many Indian mothers give their children almonds with milk in the belief that they support memory. But how may almonds help improve sleep? The findings highlighted the potential role of almonds in supporting sleep quality. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrients in almonds that may help support sleep. Sheela Krishnaswamy, nutrition and wellness consultant, explained, “Almonds contain several nutrients that are biologically relevant to normal nervous system function and overall health, including magnesium and tryptophan. Magnesium is involved in normal nervous system and muscle function, while tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin and melatonin.”

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition in July 2026 took a closer look at whether eating almonds daily could help people fall asleep sooner and improve their overall sleep quality. The study had 175 adults aged 21-55 who participated.