If you suffer from insomnia, it’s best to keep these items off your shopping list.
Are you tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep? According to Nick Shacklock, a sleep expert from the British brand Online Bedroom, there are several factors that can affect your sleep, and food is undoubtedly one of them.
Many people eat certain foods before bed without realizing their impact on sleep. “Caffeine is an obvious culprit, but we should also be aware that spicy and sugary foods can affect us,” he adds.
While it may be nearly impossible to avoid these foods entirely, it’s essential to keep these aspects in mind, eat a balanced diet, and try to have dinner earlier. “When we eat dinner late, we don’t give our bodies enough time to digest food, which can lead to discomfort during sleep,” explains Shacklock.
Here are five types of food (and drinks) that can steal your sleep:
- Caffeinated drinks and foods, such as coffee, tea, and some chocolates, can stimulate the brain and keep you awake.
- Spicy foods can cause indigestion, reflux, and raise body temperature. It’s best to eat them at least four hours before bedtime.
- Sugary snacks before bed spike blood sugar levels, converting to energy, which you don’t need at night.
- Fast food should be avoided late at night, as it takes a long time for the body to digest, leading to discomfort.
- Alcohol does not promote restful sleep. In fact, those who drink it regularly tend to wake up frequently during the night.
