In collaboration with Moom Health, this post is part 2 of 4 in our Sleep Awareness Month series. This month, we’re diving into the science of sleep—how it impacts our health in ways we often overlook and how we can achieve better sleep, better health, and better well-being.
For Moom Health’s co-founders, sisters Maya and Mili Kale, wellness—including good sleep—has always been a priority. “I need at least seven hours to function,” Maya shares.
When they launched Moom Health, they quickly saw how many people struggled with restless nights and inconsistent sleep. Their wellness quiz revealed that sleep was one of the most common concerns among their customers, inspiring them to create science-backed, natural solutions for better rest.
Key Nutrients That Promote Better Sleep
Science has long confirmed that certain vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds help regulate the sleep cycle and promote relaxation. The co-founders of Moom Health designed their sleep/well supplement around these exact needs, ensuring it worked with the body’s natural rhythms.
- Magnesium: Known as “nature’s chill pill”, magnesium calms the nervous system and helps muscles relax, making it easier to fall asleep, according to the Sleep Foundation.
- Valerian Root & Chamomile: A systematic review in the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences indicated that valerian and chamomile have been associated with anxiolytic effects and improvements in sleep quality.
- L-Theanine: The Cleveland Clinic notes that L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, can promote relaxation.
- Melatonin (in the right dosage): Research from Harvard Health Publishing highlights melatonin's role in regulating sleep cycles, but warns of excessive amounts to cause grogginess. That's why Moom Health formulated Sleep/Well as a low-dose, short-term melatonin supplement for gentle, natural sleep support.
How Lifestyle & Diet Choices Impact Sleep
Beyond supplements, your daily food choices can either support or sabotage your sleep. The National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore has highlighted certain nutrients that naturally enhance sleep—and common eating habits that make it harder to fall asleep.
Best Foods for Sleep
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Bananas: High in magnesium and potassium, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for calming the body.
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Oats: Contain natural melatonin to help regulate sleep cycles, and complex carbohydrates which help produce serotonin to contribute to sleep readiness.
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Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel): Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D, which have been shown to increase serotonin levels, promoting better sleep. Vitamin D helps regulate melatonin production, ensuring a healthy sleep rhythm.
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Almonds & walnuts: Packed with magnesium and melatonin, two key nutrients that promote sleep, plus Magnesium helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone keeping us tossing and turning.
A Harvard Medical School study found that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in melatonin, serotonin, and vitamin D, helps reduce sleep disturbances. Key foods include fatty fish, tart cherry juice, kiwi, and milk.
Foods That Disrupt Sleep
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, but it’s found in more than just coffee and tea. Energy drinks, decaf coffee, some sodas, chocolate, and even ice cream can contain caffeine, according to a Johns Hopkins sleep expert.
Other dietary culprits that disrupt sleep include:
- Alcohol: Can worsen sleep apnea and increase the risk of sleepwalking and memory issues.
- Spicy foods: May trigger heartburn and raise core body temperature, disrupting sleep.
- High-protein foods: Steak and chicken take longer to digest, making them best consumed earlier in the day.
Moom Health’s Approach to Sleep Supplements
With countless sleep supplements on the market, Moom Health set out to create a solution that was "fast-acting, not overdosed with melatonin, and calming at the same time—and we’ve definitely delivered on that,” say the founders.
One of the biggest misconceptions they’ve encountered is the idea that natural supplements aren’t effective. "By creating products like de/bloat and sleep/well, we’ve been able to marry ‘natural’ with science and clinical data to prove that it works.”
Finding What Works For You
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sleep. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why it’s important to listen to your body and find a routine that supports your unique needs.
While supplements aren’t a replacement for a balanced diet, they can provide gentle, natural support without the risks associated with synthetic sleep aids. Backed by science, Moom Health’s sleep/well is designed to work with your body’s natural rhythms, giving you the boost you need to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Shop Moom's sleep/well supplements here.
More Ways to Improve Your Sleep:
The Health Benefits of Prioritising Sleep