Everyone has been there, wide awake, and feeling the midnight munchies come on strong right before bed. But before you reach for that bag of chips or slice of cake, you might want to think twice. Certain foods can make it harder to fall asleep and even disrupt your sleep once you finally do drift off. So what are the worst foods to eat before bed? This article will take a look at some of the unhealthiest foods you should avoid eating before bed and some healthier alternatives that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Coffee
It’s common knowledge that coffee is a stimulant, but many people don’t realize how long those effects can last. Caffeine has a half-life of around five hours, which means that even if you drink a small cup of coffee at dinner, there will still be traces of caffeine in your system when you go to bed. And while a little bit of caffeine may not seem like a big deal, it can significantly impact your sleep. Caffeine prevents your body from entering REM sleep, the deepest and most restorative sleep cycle phase. As a result, you may feel groggy and unfocused, even if you’ve slept for eight hours or more. So if you’re looking to get a good night’s sleep, it’s best to avoid coffee altogether in the evening.
Tomatoes
Many people know the old wives’ tale that warns against eating tomatoes before bed. The belief is that tomatoes contain a high level of acidity, which can cause indigestion and disturb sleep. While it is true that tomatoes are acidic, they are known as a “low-acid food,” which means that they are less likely to cause problems like heartburn and reflux. Research has shown that eating tomatoes before bed can help to reduce the risk of these conditions. So, if you’re looking for a bedtime snack that won’t keep you up all night, reach for a tomato instead of a bag of chips.
Ice cream
It’s a common misconception that eating ice cream before bed will give you nightmares. There’s no evidence to support this claim. However, there are a few good reasons why you might want to avoid ice cream before turning in for the night:
- Ice cream is high in sugar, leading to an energy crash a few hours after eating it.
- Ice cream is cold and consuming cold food before bed can disrupt your sleep cycle.
- Ice cream goes well with other late-night snacks like cookies or cake, which can contain caffeine and other stimulating ingredients.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful night’s sleep, it’s best to enjoy your ice cream during the daytime hours.
