Ever wonder why some nights you can´t sleep, rolling back and forth in the bed and waking up feeling like you’ve been stuck in a bizarre dream? The problem could be hiding in your kitchen. Certain foods can disrupt your sleep and even trigger nightmares, leaving you exhausted the next day. To enjoy peaceful rest and pleasant dreams, avoid these 12 foods before bedtime. It’s a small sacrifice for a night of uninterrupted sleep.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Cheese
Cheese might be comforting during the day, but it’s a nighttime troublemaker. Studies have shown that eating cheese before bed can lead to bad dreams and stomach discomfort. The combination of dairy and heavy fats can be hard to digest, disrupting your sleep cycle and making restful sleep nearly impossible. If you’re dying for a late-night snack, it might be time to skip the cheese plate and opt for something lighter instead.
Alcohol
While a nightcap might seem relaxing, alcohol can wreak havoc on your sleep. Drinking before bed not only makes it harder to fall asleep but also increases the likelihood of fragmented sleep and vivid, stressful dreams. Alcohol disrupts the deep sleep phase, which is essential for rest and recovery. If you’re aiming for quality sleep, consider cutting off the cocktails well before bedtime.
Cookies
A cookie before bed may sound like a good idea, but eating a lot of sugar before bedtime is almost guaranteed to give you bad dreams. Many people who ate sugary foods before bed reported having bizarre dreams. It's best to have your cookies at lunchtime! These tiramisu cookies would make a great lunchtime treat.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a double-edged sword for bedtime. Packed with caffeine and sugar, it’s a recipe for sleeplessness and strange dreams. Caffeine stimulates your brain, making it harder to drift into deep sleep, while the sugar keeps your energy levels elevated. Though we adore desserts like triple chocolate cake, it’s best to save those indulgences for daytime.
Chips
Greasy, salty snacks like chips may satisfy your cravings, but they’re not bedtime-friendly. High-fat, processed foods can upset your stomach, making it hard to fall and stay asleep. The discomfort can lead to disrupted dreams and a restless night. For the sake of a peaceful night’s rest, it’s better to resist the crunch of chips before bed.
Soda
Soda may seem harmless, but its combination of sugar, caffeine, and carbonation makes it one of the worst beverages to have before bed. The caffeine keeps your brain alert, the sugar spikes your energy levels, and the carbonation can cause digestive discomfort. Even diet sodas are problematic, thanks to artificial sweeteners that may interfere with sleep. Save soda for earlier in the day and opt for calming herbal tea at night.
Hot Sauce
Spicy foods, including hot sauce, are a known sleep disruptor. Consuming spice before bed can raise your body temperature and make it harder to stay comfortable during the night. Many people also report more vivid and intense dreams after eating spicy food. For a peaceful night, keep the hot sauce in the pantry and choose something milder for dinner.
Big Buffets
Enjoying a large meal before bed might sound satisfying, but it’s a guaranteed way to ruin your sleep. Have you ever had the feeling that you have just swallowed a brick? You are right; that feeling of a full stomach can lead to acid reflux and discomfort, which are especially troublesome when lying down. Additionally, your body struggles to digest a mix of rich foods overnight, leaving you restless and uncomfortable. Instead, give yourself at least a few hours to digest after a big meal.
Pasta
Pasta may be the ultimate comfort food, but it’s far from a good bedtime choice. Carbs like pasta are converted into energy, leaving your body revved up when you’re trying to wind down. Eating a big bowl of pasta right before bed can prevent your body from fully relaxing, making it harder to fall asleep. Stick to smaller, lighter portions earlier in the evening for better rest.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is popular for its health benefits, but it’s not a bedtime-friendly option. Consuming it late at night can lead to vivid, intense dreams that some people describe as unsettling. Whether you’re taking it as a supplement or using it in a salad dressing, it’s best to avoid apple cider vinegar close to bedtime. Save it for morning routines instead.
High Protein Foods
Foods high in protein, such as burgers or beans, can interfere with your sleep cycle. Proteins are rich in amino acids, which stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain, keeping you awake and alert. A heavy dose of protein before bed can leave you feeling restless and prevent deep sleep. Skip the protein-packed snacks at night and stick to lighter options for better sleep.
Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa may sound like the ultimate bedtime drink, but it’s surprisingly disruptive. Loaded with sugar, caffeine, and chocolate, it stimulates your brain and keeps your body alert when you’re trying to relax. While it’s a nostalgic treat, it’s better suited for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. For bedtime, try warm water with lemon or herbal tea instead.
This article was inspired by Boldsky.com and first published on Spatula Desserts.
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