In "Sleeping Beauty," a princess is cursed to sleep for 100 years, until she is awakened by a handsome prince.

If you have insomnia, you may think you'd enjoy getting knocked out like that. But opting for a diet that helps promote a good night's rest is a smarter option.

Quality sleep tamps down inflammation, promotes heart health and better cognition, and helps regulate blood sugar. And for those who have sleep apnea and insomnia, it's vital.

A new study published in European Respiratory Journal tracked people for more than 15 years and found that those with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea were almost 50% more likely to die over that time period than folks without either condition.

What foods promote a good night's sleep?

Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and almonds deliver magnesium, which is thought to help regulate your body's timekeeping system. Beans, leafy greens, avocados, and bananas are rich in potassium, which helps improve sleep quality, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Other smart bites include foods that provide melatonin or precursors to melatonin, such as tart cherries, walnuts, and pistachios. Melatonin helps with the timing of your circadian rhythm (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep.  

While you're at it, don't eat foods that activate insomnia. These include foods with added sugars, ultra-processed foods, and red meat.

One study found that people who eat 4.5 ounces of red meat a day get around two hours less sleep a night, and the sleep they do get is poorer quality than that of non-meat-eaters.