You might be surprised to learn that what you choose to eat during the evening can negatively impact your sleep. While you might enjoy an evening snack before going to bed, there are certain foods to avoid so that your sleep won’t be affected. Here’s a brief look at 10 foods you should avoid eating before bedtime.
1. Alcohol
While many people have a drink at night to relax, alcohol has a negative effect on sleep. Your body metabolizes alcohol quickly, forcing you to awaken when the effects wear off. Studies have demonstrated that drinking alcohol before bed reduces the quality of your sleep and increases the likelihood that you will wake up during the night.
2. Chips
Potato chips are greasy and full of fat. When you eat greasy, fatty foods before bed, studies have shown that you can be more prone to nightmares. Eating chips before bed can also make it harder for you to fall asleep because of digestive issues.
3. Chocolate
Many people enjoy sipping on a cup of cocoa at night or eating some chocolate bars. However, chocolate containers caffeine, which interferes with your body’s ability to get enough deep sleep. This is especially true for dark chocolate because it contains more caffeine than milk chocolate.
4. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is full of fiber and is good for you in moderation. However, you should not eat it close to bedtime because the high fiber content can make you bloated and gassy at night. Dried fruit also contains high levels of sugar, which can give you a sugar high. If you want a piece of fruit before bedtime, reach for fresh fruit instead.
5. Energy Drinks
It should be obvious that drinking an energy drink before bedtime can interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep. If you are in the habit of drinking lots of energy drinks, you should cut back in general and especially avoid them at night. It is best if you stop ingesting caffeinated beverages after lunchtime.
6. Fatty Foods
Fatty foods are harder for your body to digest. If you eat them right before bedtime, your digestive system will continue working to break them down and interfere with your ability to sleep. You can also feel bloated after eating fatty foods.
7. Onions
Eating onions before going to bed can cause acid reflux. The gas created as onions move through your system can place pressure inside of your stomach and force acid into your esophagus. This effect is seen with both grilled and raw onions and is especially likely to occur when you are in a prone position.
8. Sugary Foods
Eating sugary foods close to bedtime is another thing to avoid. When you eat high-sugar foods, it causes your blood sugar levels to spike before crashing. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause you to experience restless sleep.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes should also be avoided close to when you go to bed. Because of their acidity, tomatoes can cause you to experience acid reflux when you lie down. Save tomatoes for lunch or dinner earlier in the evening but not within an hour or two of bedtime.
10. Water
Water is essential for health. While it is important for you to stay well-hydrated during the day, don’t drink too much water before bedtime. If you do, you are likelier to wake up during the night to go to the bathroom.
Contact Accent Sleep Solutions
In general, it is best to avoid snacking before bed. However, if you do, choose healthy foods that won’t interfere with your sleep. If you are experiencing sleep problems, contact the professionals in Gainesville, Florida at Accent Sleep Solutions by calling us at 352-372-9414.
Dr. Jeffrey Phillips | Accent Sleep Solutions | 4340 West Newberry Road, Suite 301 | Gainesville, FL 32607 | (352) 372-9414 | Map & Directions | FB | TW | GP
