Best and Worst Foods for Sleep: Dr. Barnard’s Science-Backed Rules

The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

New research reveals that what you eat during the day directly impacts how well you sleep at night — and it’s not what you think.

Dr. Neal Barnard breaks down a new study showing that fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates can significantly improve sleep quality, while high-protein diets, red meat, and even that “harmless” evening glass of wine may leave you feeling exhausted.

In this episode of The Exam Room with Chuck Carroll, you’ll learn:

- The best foods for a good night's sleep

- The top foods for natural melatonin production

- What NOT to eat before bed (including some surprising ones)

- Dr. Barnard’s 5 research-backed rules for better sleep

- Whether sugar is really the enemy of a good night’s sleep

This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

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Fruit & Veg Sleep Study

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International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine

Where: Washington, DC

When: August 14-16, 2025

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