Boil a banana every night for a powerful home remedy everyone needs to know

While everyone knows that a good night’s rest is important, few seem to be able to get it. Whether the problem is getting to bed too late or inability to fall asleep, a study by the National Sleep Foundation found that nearly half of Americans reported insufficient sleep affecting their daily lives.

More than just an irritant, chronic sleep deprivation can have serious health repercussions, according to WebMD. It can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and has also been shown to negatively impact mood, memory and even one’s metabolism. But what is to be done?

The answer to feeling more rested lies in the humble banana.

The same reasons bananas are touted as a great post-work out snack makes them a great aid to ease into restfulness. Bananas are high in potassium and magnesium, two minerals that naturally relax muscles. Not only that, bananas are high in two more important compounds for sleep – tryptophan and melatonin, reports Livestrong. The caveat?

The highest concentration of these important micronutrients is in the skin.

To reap the benefits of this powerful sleep aid, try this banana tea recipe from Dr. Oz:

Cut the ends off a banana (organic recommended), then boil it in a small pot of water for 10 minutes. Strain into a mug and drink an hour before bed. Banana can also be eaten as a warm dessert, sprinkled with cinnamon. It should be noted, however, that cinnamon has also been shown to increase alertness, and might be best avoided to get the most out of your new bedtime routine. For an alternative spice to help warm and relax your mind and body, try nutmeg reports Livestrong.