Bedtime Bowl for Improved Sleep

5 from 2 votes

Author: Sarah Cobacho

Published: July 1, 2023

A bowl of warm, soothing ingredients that promote better sleep

Dreaming of a good night’s rest? Try this delicious bedtime bowl instead of your regular dinner. We’ve combined powerful ingredients for a better night’s sleep in one recipe. It’s also super easy to make, with minimal dishes (especially if the nut butter is made in advance), easy to digest, and perfect if you feel like something sweet!

It might sound strange to serve oats, traditionally a breakfast food, for dinner, but you know we rarely do things the traditional way here! It actually happens at least twice a month in my house, especially if we’ve had a long day or if we’ve been at a gathering during the day and eating a bit differently than we usually would. In those scenarios, a big bowl of oats always soothes me and keeps me nourished without having to put any thoughts or effort into dinner.

What do you think? Would you give oats for dinner a go?

Why This Recipe Works

  • Improves Sleep Quality: Packed with ingredients like oats, pistachio butter, and kiwifruit that promote better sleep.
  • Easy to Digest: Light on the stomach, ensuring no discomfort during the night.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to nourish your body.
  • Convenience: Quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy or low-energy evenings.

Ingredient Notes

  • Oats: A natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Not only that, the complex carbs in oats make it easier for your brain to access tryptophan, which can also improve your sleep.
  • Pistachio Butter: Made from pistachios, which are rich in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, aiding in better sleep. Substitute with seed butter for a nut-free version.
  • Kiwifruit: Studies have shown kiwifruit to improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency. A delicious way to enhance your sleep quality.
  • Soy Milk: High in protein.
  • Chia Seeds: Rich in tryptophan, which converts to serotonin and melatonin, aiding in restful sleep.
  • Bananas: High in magnesium and tryptophan (a precursor for serotonin).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Begin by toasting cashews and pistachios on a pan over medium heat until they turn brown and emit a fragrant aroma, about 4 to 5 minutes. Process the toasted nuts in a blender until they reach a smooth consistency to make the nut butter. Combine oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and soy milk in a pot over medium heat, cooking this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Top the cooked oat mixture with slices of banana and kiwi, a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, and a generous dollop of the homemade pistachio cashew butter. Enjoy your nutritious and sleep-inducing bedtime bowl.

Variations and Tips

  • Seed Butter Swap: For a nut-free option, use sunflower or pumpkin seed butter.
  • Adding Sweetness: Maple syrup can be a delightful addition for extra sweetness.
  • Meal Timing: Eating this bowl 3 hours before bed optimizes sleep, with fluids stopped 2 hours prior.
  • Storage Tip: Store nut butter in the fridge for up to a month.
  • Tart Cherry Juice: A clinical trial found that drinking 2 cups of tart cherry juice per day increased sleep duration by 84 minutes, and sleep efficiency also improved. It’s also delicious and packed with antioxidants, so it’s well worth trying.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Why You’ll Love This Bedtime Bowl

  • Restful Sleep
  • Nutrient Dense
  • Easy Prep
  • Adaptable
  • Sweet Treat
A bowl of warm, soothing ingredients that promote better sleep

Bedtime Bowl for Improved Sleep

Favorite
Enjoy a restful night’s sleep with this easy-to-make bedtime bowl, packed with sleep-inducing ingredients like oats, pistachio butter, and kiwifruit.

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Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 5 minutes
Total Time : 15 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (81 g) oats
  • 1.5 cups (354.88 ml) soy milk
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 banana - sliced
  • 2 kiwifruit - sliced
  • 2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Nut butter

  • ¾ cup (96.75 g) cashews
  • ¾ cup (92.25 g) pistachios

Instructions

  • Begin by toasting cashews and pistachios on a pan over medium heat until they turn brown and emit a fragrant aroma. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Process the toasted nuts in a blender for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they reach a smooth consistency, to make the nut butter.
  • In a pot over medium heat, combine the oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and soy milk. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
  • Once the oat mixture is cooked, top it with slices of banana and kiwi, a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, and a generous dollop of the homemade pistachio cashew butter.
  • Enjoy your nutritious and sleep-inducing bedtime bowl.

Notes

How long can I store the nut butter? Keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.
When should I eat this bowl? We recommend eating your last meal 3 hours before bed, and stopping drinking 2 hours before bed, to optimize your sleep.
Is this gluten-free? Yes, use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
Can I make this nut-free? Yes, use a seed butter instead. 
What sweetener could I use? Maple syrup would be great here.

Per Serving/Portion

Calories 503 kcalCarbohydrates 63 gProtein 20 gFat 21 gFiber 14 gVitamin A 113 IUVitamin C 116 mgCalcium 310 mgIron 6 mg

FAQ

Is this bedtime bowl gluten-free?

Yes, when using certified gluten-free oats, it’s completely gluten-free.

Can I make it nut-free?

Absolutely, substitute pistachio butter with any seed butter for a nut-free version.

What’s the best time to consume this for optimal sleep?

We recommend having it 3 hours before your bedtime.

How long can the homemade nut butter be stored?

Keep it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to a month.

Can I add sweeteners to this bowl?

Yes, maple syrup is a great choice for adding a touch of sweetness.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. I have an anaphylactic type allergy to bananas what would you recommend using instead?

    1. you can use more kiwis 🙂 some sliced or stewed apples would also be delicious