These foods may also contribute to weight gain over time.
However, you do not have to skip eating before bed entirely.
The key is choosing foods with sleep-promoting properties that work for your body and lifestyle.
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The tomato sauce is highly acidic and can irritate the stomach, causing heartburn, reflux, andindigestion.
Most types of ice cream are high in added sugar, calories, and unhealthy saturated fat.
Consuming too much before bed can cause yourblood sugar levelsto rise and fall quickly, leading to sleep disruptions.
They’re also relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium.
Research links higher sodium intake with poor sleep quality and short sleep duration.
It can also lead to interrupted sleep, including waking up frequently at night to pee.
Hot Peppers
Spicy foods, like hot peppers, are known triggers of heartburn and indigestion.
Eating them before bed can make it harder to sleep.
They also contain high levels of capsaicin, a compound that gives them their spicy flavor.
Research suggests capsaicin may increase body temperature, which may interfere with sleep.
Oranges
Oranges and othercitrus fruits, like grapefruit and lemons, are highly nutritious.
However, they may not be the best choice before bed, especially if you are prone to heartburn.
Beans
Beans may not be the best choice before bed since fiber content can be hard to digest.
This can lead togas and bloating, especially if you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber.
However, ahigh-fiber dietmay improve sleep.
Dark chocolate also contains theobromine, which stimulates the central nervous system, making it harder to fall asleep.
What About Drinks Before Bed?
People who are sensitive to caffeine may need to stop even earlier to avoid sleep disturbances.
Is It Bad to Eat Before Bed?
Refined carbs and added sugar can lead to blood sugar spikes, further disrupting sleep quality.
However, a small, nutrient-rich snack with low calories and carbohydrates before bed may be beneficial.
It can curb hunger and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.
If youre hungry before bed, opt for a small, nutrient-dense snack instead.
This will help stabilize blood sugar levels and curb hunger without overloading your digestive system.
Research suggests keepingbedtime snacksunder 200 calories may be a good approach.
These foods can cause digestion issues, heartburn, and blood sugar spikes that may keep you awake.
Having high-fat, heavy meals before bed can also increase the risk of weight gain and obesity over time.
That said, snacking before bed is not always a bad thing.
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