A viral TikTok video has suggested that eating a kiwi before bed could help people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. The clip, from wellness account WellX, claims the fruit boosts serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and sleep cycles.
Research supports this, with a study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition finding that adults who ate two kiwis before bed fell asleep 42% faster and slept longer. Kiwis are rich in antioxidants and serotonin, both known to promote sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation.
At Tesco, a pack of six kiwis costs £1.19, making each fruit around 20p. The British Nutrition Foundation notes that kiwis are also packed with vitamin C, fibre and potassium, which support immune health and digestion.
However, experts caution that diet alone is not a miracle cure. The NHS emphasises the importance of good sleep hygiene, including reducing screen time and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. The Sleep Foundation adds that more research is needed to confirm kiwis' direct effect on sleep.
Incorporating a kiwi into your evening routine is a low-risk, healthy habit that might help, but it should not replace other sleep practices.
