Why Eating Cheese Before Bed Might Actually Be Good for Sleep

Who doesn’t love a good bedtime snack? It can be hard to make healthy choices late at night, but if you’re looking for snacks that are both tasty and beneficial for you – the answer might be cheese! Eating cheese before bed might actually help you to sleep more soundly. Here’s a look into why that is and how it can help you.

Cheese is a great source of both calcium and casein, both of which are important for sound sleep. The calcium in cheese helps your body use tryptophan better, which is known for its sleep promoting effects. Casein is a slow-releasing protein, which helps you to feel full and satisfied during the night. This can stop you from snacking throughout the night and still give you the nutrients that your body needs.

Cheese can also be a great snack because it causes the body to produce melatonin, which helps to regulate your internal body clock. Eating cheese in the evening will help to ensure that your natural biological cycle is running smoothly and let your body create just the right amounts of melatonin that can promote healthy, restful sleep.

The Benefits of Eating Cheese for Sleep

When eaten in moderation, a slice of cheese can be a great addition to your evening diet. Eating a small piece of cheese just before bed can help your body relax better and aid your sleep. The casein in cheese is especially helpful as it slowly breaks down and releases proteins which helps the body to feel more satisfied without overeating.

Cheese also contains small amounts of tryptophan, which is known for its calming and sleep-promoting affect. Cheese also increases the amount of calcium in the body, which helps to utilise the tryptophan in the blood better enabling a deeper and more restful sleep.

Which Types of Cheese Are the Best for Sleep?

It is important to remember that cheese can be high in fat, so it is best eaten in moderation. Cheeses that are made from goat’s or sheep milk can be a great option as they are lower in fat. Ricotta cheese is also a good cheese for sleep as it is made from whey, meaning it’s lower in fat than regular cheese. Stick to 1 or 2 slices of cheese before bed or add it to a small meal like a salad or a bowl of soup.

Harder types of cheese like cheddar, Swiss and Parmesan can also be a good choice as they contain lower amounts of fat. String cheese and ricotta can also be a great way to snack before bed without feeling guilty. Cheese also contains important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B12, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, all important for good quality sleep.

Milder cheeses like cottage cheese are another good option as they are lower in fat and calories, whilst still providing the body with the nutrients it needs before bed.

How to Incorporate Cheese into Your Evening Routine

• If you’re craving something sweet before bed, try mixing ricotta with some honey and nuts for a sweet snack.
• Keep some string cheese in the fridge and eat a piece before bed with a slice of whole grain toast.
• Add some Parmesan cheese to a salad or bowl of soup for a tasty evening meal.
• Add some slices of cheese to your daily evening snack such as crackers or a piece of fruit.
• Enjoy a few slices of hard cheese with a glass of warm milk before bed for extra sleep benefits.

Conclusion

Eating cheese before bed is a great way to enjoy a tasty snack while also benefiting from its sleep-promoting properties. Cheese is packed with vitamins, nutrients and sleep-promoting proteins like tryptophan and casein, making it the perfect night-time snack. Just remember to choose lower-fat varieties and eat it in moderation to get the best benefit.