When it comes to healthy living, consistency is critical. Committing to a small, simple habit every day can lead to positive changes down the road. One such habit is eating a teaspoon of honey every night before you go to sleep. This rich and versatile ingredient has been used for millennia for both flavor and health benefits, and it's perfect for adding to a cup of a noncaffeinated tea or enjoying by itself. Here's a closer look at how you'll benefit from this bedtime treat.

Why an Evening Honey Snack Is Good for You

1. Tamps Down on Midnight Hunger 

Many people wake up in the middle of the night with hunger pangs, and even when they don't sneak out to the kitchen, the sensation can still interfere with good rest. If you're someone who constantly craves a midnight snack, some honey before bedtime can do away with that feeling. 

It does this by regulating your blood sugar throughout the night. It has both fructose and glucose in equal amounts, which help gradually refuel your liver's glycogen levels. When glycogen levels are too low, your brain sends a signal to your body that it's hungry. By refueling it before you sleep, it's less likely you'll wake up hungry. 

2. Helps You Get Sleepy

If you have trouble falling asleep, honey will help you reach a sense of natural drowsiness. It contains tryptophan, which is the same amino acid found at high levels in turkey—if you've ever felt like a long nap after Thanksgiving dinner, that's the tryptophan talking. 

Honey creates this drowsiness by helping produce serotonin and eventually melatonin. Serotonin is relaxing, while melatonin is key for regulating sleep.

3. Offers Healing Properties

Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, when ingested, it can promote healing across the board. Specifically, it can directly soothe mild pain in your mouth or gums, as well as your stomach if you have ulcers. While it's no substitute for medications that immediately treat those issues, a spoonful is helpful. 

For delicious, natural honey, visit Register Family Farm in Freeport, FL. This veteran-owned farm has something for everyone. If you're interested in something unique and local, these beekeepers offer wildflower honey, which gets its name from the unique floral sources in Northwest Florida. They also carry the rare Tupelo honey, which is fantastic for those who want the health benefits in a unique milder flavor. If you want to try both, they offer assortment packs! Browse their inventory online and call (850) 392-7404 to speak with a team member.