Before bedtime, it is crucial to avoid putting certain foods in our body since those certain foods can yield a poor night’s sleep. In order to achieve a restful night’s sleep, there are many foods and drinks that should be avoided. Of course, you do not have to avoid these following types of foods and drinks all together. You can certainly indulge in them throughout the day and satisfy any cravings you may have. These foods and drinks do have certain benefits. However, they are not very beneficial to indulge in if you are trying to catch some ZZZs. Foods to be avoided before bedtime are:
1. Spicy Foods
If you are not a fan of spicy foods, then you won’t have a problem. However, if you enjoy indulging in spicy foods, try to not do it before bedtime. Spicy foods can cause heartburn and in turn lead to a sleepless night. Spicy food also raises your body temperature. Increased body temperature can keep you awake.
2. Heavily Salted Foods
Eating too much salt dehydrates you. It can cause tiredness and fatigue. This tiredness and fatigue is not beneficial because it actually denotes something called “superficial” sleep. This is when the body does not go through the REM cycle as it is supposed to. It is best to avoid heavily salted foods before going to sleep.
3. Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks such as cakes, pies, sugary cereals, juices and sodas are something you want to avoid altogether before bed. Having sugar in your system before bed can negatively impact your body’s blood sugar levels. It causes the blood sugar levels to rise and in turn keeps your body alert. As a result, your body gets overstimulated and cannot rest well.
4. Chocolate
Having chocolate before bed can be disruptive to sleep. This is because chocolate contains something called Theobromine which increases the heart rate.
5. Caffeine
Any energy drinks, caffeinated soda, coffee and caffeinated teas should be avoided before bed. Caffeine also increases the heart rate and alertness. This makes it extremely hard for our bodies to fall asleep. Overuse of caffeine can lead to insomnia symptoms. So, if you are planning on being in bed by 9 pm, then try having your coffee no later than 12 noon and then cut it off. This will give your body enough time throughout the day to get any caffeine effects out of your system.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol is for sure to disrupt the body’s REM sleep cycle. Although alcohol may help you actually fall asleep, it does not allow the body to achieve a deep and sound slumber.
7. Fatty Foods
Fatty foods such as yogurt, ice cream or cheese take a long time to digest. Avoid these if you want a good night’s rest as they won’t help you sleep well through the night.
All in all, these foods are not bad to eat during the day. However, if you eat these foods at night and hope for a good night’s sleep it might not happen. In fact, you might wake up feeling even worse than when you went to bed. Be sure to choose better food options for a better night’s sleep.