Do you often toss and turn and just can’t fall asleep? This could be due to the snacks you eat before going to sleep.
It’s often the little things that rob us of sleep, or habits that we don’t even think about. Our diet also has a significant influence on the quality of our sleep and can even lead to sleep disorders. Most people know that a sumptuous dinner does not exactly ensure restful sleep. But there are also some foods that are considered healthy but still disrupt sleep.
Spicy food
Eating spicy food just before going to bed is not a good idea. Researchers from Australia have discovered that there is a link between spicy food and sleep disorders. Spicy food heats up the body from the inside and a heated body cannot sleep properly. In addition, spicy meals can lead to heartburn, which also affects the quality of sleep.
For a restful sleep, you should not eat certain foods in the evening.
Watermelons
Watermelon is a popular refreshing snack, especially in summer. However, you should stay away from the fruit just before going to bed. This is because eating foods with a lot of water, such as watermelon, causes the body to excrete excess water. The urge to urinate at night disturbs your sleep.
Raw vegetables
Raw vegetables contain a lot of nutrients and are therefore very healthy. This is why people who want to lose weight often have salad and raw vegetables on their plates in the evening. However, it is better to postpone this meal until lunchtime, as raw vegetables can lead to bloating and stomach ache, preventing you from sleeping.
Dark chocolate
You should also avoid eating dark chocolate just before bedtime. It contains caffeine and sugar – both ingredients that boost energy and keep the brain active. Incidentally, the darker the chocolate, the higher the caffeine content. The sugar it contains also leads to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which makes it even more difficult to fall asleep. One to two hours later, the blood sugar level suddenly drops again, causing you to wake up.
Red meat
Although a juicy steak is part of a good dinner for many people, it unfortunately does not ensure a good night’s sleep. It is very high in protein, and the body has to work hard to digest the meat. Protein-rich foods also contain the amino acid tyrosine, which has a stimulating effect on the brain and keeps you awake. If you still don’t want to give up steak in the evening, you should at least eat it with carbohydrates to aid digestion.
