India, Aug. 4 -- If counting sheep isn't helping you fall asleep, your diet might deserve a closer look. According to Dr Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, nutritionist, professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University and a pioneer in the field of sleep health, what you eat throughout the day can influence how well you sleep at night.

Her research suggests that following a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, lean meats, poultry and seafood, can improve sleep quality. (Also read: Can one pizza ruin your diet? Nutrition coach Bianca shares her realistic 'what I eat in a day' after indulging )

Dr St-Onge's research shows that eating more nutrient-dense, minimally processed food...