Many factors can interfere with a good night's sleep, and one of them is the food a person eats before bed. Some foods can cause discomfort, increase blood sugar levels, or even disrupt the digestive system, which directly affects sleep. This is reported by Lovefood.
Popcorn with additives, in particular, is considered an undesirable snack before bed. It is not harmful in itself, but sweet, salty or oily flavors are high in fat, sugar and salt. This can cause sharp fluctuations in blood glucose levels, dehydration and stomach discomfort.
Celery unexpectedly made the list. Despite its benefits, its high water content can cause a person to wake up at night to urinate. Fresh cucumbers can have a similar effect.
Dried fruits can also be a problem, especially if they contain added sugar or are difficult to digest. Meanwhile, natural options rich in magnesium, such as prunes, can have the opposite – a calming effect.
Dairy products, despite the presence of tryptophan, also do not always help you fall asleep. The fats and proteins in them can slow down digestion, which prevents the body from entering a state of rest.
A separate category is foods with high acidity. Citrus fruits and tomato-based dishes can cause heartburn and indigestion, especially when lying down. This makes it much more difficult to fall asleep.
High-fiber vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can also cause discomfort. While they are good for digestion, they can cause bloating and flatulence in the evening.
Fatty and sweet desserts, including ice cream, are no less harmful before bed. A large amount of fat and sugar stimulates the body and disrupts the natural processes of preparing for sleep.
Fermented and smoked meats contain tyramine, an amino acid that can affect the nervous system and cause insomnia. Red meat, which is difficult to digest and forces the body to work when it should be resting, has a similar effect.
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread or pasta, quickly raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to sudden energy swings and sleep disruption.
Experts also advise avoiding spicy foods before bed. They can cause heartburn, raise body temperature, and affect the quality of your rest.
Fast food, like chocolate, also does not contribute to healthy sleep. In the first case, due to the high processing of the products, in the second - due to the sugar and caffeine content.
Thus, for quality sleep, it is important not only to stick to a regimen, but also to pay attention to dinner. The right choice of products will help avoid nighttime awakenings and make sleep deeper and more restorative.
