Doctor lauds two fermented foods that help people 'sleep greatly' - your body will 'thank you'

The ingredients help people achieve better rest through their effects on sleep-regulating hormones and gut health.

Kefir offers unique benefits through its probiotic content, with Dr Berg noting: "Don't get the flavoured one, get the unflavoured one, whole milk, grass-fed. You can blend that with things rich in polyphenols like berries."

"When you drink it, you're feeding your microbiome polyphenols, which they're going to thank you for, by helping you sleep."

Sauerkraut provides equal multiple sleep-enhancing properties, with Dr Berg noting: "The microbes in raw sauerkraut can help you sleep greatly."

The fermented cabbage increases GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that naturally decreases with age.

"Sauerkraut also has certain properties that helps you reduce stress and cortisol. Sauerkraut also has vitamin C which has been associated with better sleep."

Fruits help too, according to Dr Berg. Tart cherries offer a dual benefit for sleep improvement because they contain both melatonin and tryptophan.

"Tryptophan turns into serotonin, which then turns into melatonin," Dr Berg explained. "Apparently it gives some people 84 more minutes of sleep."

Kiwis have equally shown remarkable results when consumed regularly, with the benefits most apparent with consistent consumption.

Dr Berg noted: "Consuming two kiwis a day can actually increase serotonin, which is the precursor to melatonin."

"After four weeks of consuming kiwis, there was an improvement in quality of sleep, length of sleep, waking up feeling refreshed, and speed of going to sleep."

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Finally, fatty fish provide another dietary route to better sleep, particularly tuna, salmon and trout.

These omega-rich options can support melatonin production, according to Dr Berg.

Beyond diet, the doctor emphasised the benefits of using breathing techniques to wind down.

"Breathe in slowly and breathe out slowly through your nose," he advised. "Just focusing on the breathing can pull you out of the sympathetic stress state."