Late-Night Meals Sabotaging Your Sleep?

Have you ever thought about how the foods and drinks you consume before bed can affect your sleep? Many late-night meals can be detrimental to your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, meaning that when you decide to indulge in a late-night snack, it could be sabotaging your sleep quality.

Late-night meals typically contain more calories and fat than what is consumed during the day. A poor diet can affect your body’s ability to get a goodnight’s rest. Eating late at night can also lead to increased acid reflux, which can badly affect sleep quality.

Alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of poor sleep. It may help you fall asleep, but the quality of sleep you get is actually worse. Alcohol interferes with the quality of REM sleep, which is the period of restorative sleep that is necessary to feel refreshed in the morning.

The Effects of Eating Late at Night

A late dinner or snack consumed close to bedtime can make it difficult to get to sleep, and can even disrupt your sleep routine throughout the night. Most people should avoid eating two to three hours prior to hitting the hay. Eating late does not give your body enough time to digest the food for a restful night of sleep.

When you start to feel hungry before bed, don’t automatically reach for a snack. Instead, try drinking some warm non-caffeinated tea such as chamomile or lavender. This can help relax the body and mind in preparation for sleep.

Caffeine and Nicotine Interference With Sleep

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your sleep and your body’s natural sleep cycle. Even if you think you have become tolerant to it, it can still interfere with your sleep. Even if you don’t drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages after 5 o’clock, the additional caffeine in chocolate or energy drinks, for instance, may still be interfering with your sleep. Similarly, nicotine is a stimulant and can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.

Whenever possible, avoid specific foods and beverages late at night. This is the key to getting your body into a natural rhythm and routine. When you stick to a sleep schedule, it will be much easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

For those who are tempted by late night snacking, try to avoid unhealthy or sugary foods and opt for a light healthy snack. Some good options include a slice of whole-wheat toast with almond butter, yogurt or a handful of nuts.

Healthy Late-Night Alternatives

• Light salads
• Veggies and hummus
• Oatmeal and fruit
• Smoothies
• Apple slices and nut butter

Conclusion

Proper sleep is necessary for the body to recover and recuperate. If you are having trouble sleeping, take a look at what you eat late at night and adjust accordingly. Eating healthy, light snacks close to bedtime and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine may help you get better, more restful sleep.