Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rice has been traditionally used in some cultures to support sleep and manage insomnia. In particular, traditional Eastern medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have recommended rice or rice-based porridge (congee) at night, as it is considered easy to digest and mildly sedative. The calming effects are often attributed to the gentle rise in blood sugar after consuming rice, which may facilitate the production of serotonin and melatonin—hormones involved in regulating sleep. White rice, especially, has a high glycemic index (GI), and some small-scale studies suggest that foods with a higher GI consumed a few hours before bedtime might reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. For instance, a 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high-GI rice eaten four hours before bedtime reduced sleep onset latency compared to low-GI meals.

However, this evidence is limited and not sufficient to strongly support rice as a treatment for insomnia. Most recommendations for rice are based on cultural practices and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific trials. While rice may have a mild, indirect benefit for sleep due to its carbohydrate content, it is not considered a primary therapeutic agent for insomnia in modern medicine. More research is needed before rice can be recommended as a reliable treatment for sleep disorders.

More about rice
More about Insomnia

Other ingredients used for Insomnia

Other health conditions supported by rice

Products containing rice

Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Balanced B Complex (Vitamin B)
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate GreenZone
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Greenzone