Doze off and keep your metabolism burning through the night with this delicious smoothie courtesy of Dr. Michael Breus.

Cherries are one of the richest known sources of melatonin, the sleep hormone that recent studies have shown can also help reverse the effects of aging, while bananas contain loads of magnesium, a calming mineral. Lastly, soy milk is high in tryptophan, the sleep-inducing amino acid. Sweet dreams!

Ingredients :

1 cup tart cherry juice 
1/2 banana 
1/2 cup soy milk or 4-6 oz soy yogurt (if using soy yogurt, add an additional 1/2 cup fat-free milk) 
5 ice cubes  (optional)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions : Combine the cherry juice, banana, milk or yogurt with fat-free milk, ice and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.

If you are looking for a small snack before bed time, try these sleep promoting foods:

Almonds: They contain magnesium which promotes both sleep and muscle relaxation. And they have the added benefit of supplying proteins that can help maintain a stable blood sugar level while sleeping.

Miso: Miso contains amino acids that may boost the production of melatonin, a natural hormone that induces sleep.

Bananas: Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which help to relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin, the brain's key calming hormones.

Turkey: Like Bananas, turkey contains tryptophan and like almonds they supply protein which maintains stable blood sugar levels while sleeping.

Dairy: Also contains tryptophan plus calcium:Calcium is effective in stress reduction and stabilization of nerve fibers, including those in the brain.

Oatmeal: Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium all nutrients known to support sleep.

Cherries: Tart cherries naturally boost the body's supply of the sleep hormone melatonin.