Top 7 Foods to Avoid Before Bedtime for Better Sleep

Top 7 Foods to Skip Before Sleeping

Difficulty falling asleep? While reducing screen time and managing stress help, your food choices in the evening matter too. Certain foods contain substances that can disrupt sleep and upset digestion, making restful sleep harder to achieve. Here are seven foods to steer clear of before you go to bed to improve your sleep quality and overall health.

Chocolate - Eating chocolate at night, especially dark chocolate, can hinder sleep because of its caffeine content, which stimulates the nervous system and impairs deep sleep stages.

Caffeinated Beverages - Coffee and energy drinks are rich in caffeine, a stimulant that can delay sleep onset. It's best to avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime to ensure restful sleep.

Snack Chips - Fried snack chips are high in unhealthy fats and take longer to digest, often leading to indigestion and disturbed sleep. Additionally, greasy foods can cause vivid or unpleasant dreams.

Sugary Donuts - Donuts are high in sugar and fats, which can spike blood sugar levels and cause crashes, interfering with sleep cycles. Their greasy nature can also cause stomach discomfort.

Alcoholic Drinks - A small glass of wine might make you feel relaxed, but alcohol can decrease sleep quality, leading to frequent awakenings during the night or early morning bathroom trips.

Citrus Fruits - Fruits like oranges are nutritious but highly acidic and can cause heartburn or indigestion when eaten late at night. They may also irritate sensitive bladders.

Tomatoes - Often used in late-night meals, tomatoes are acidic and can cause acid reflux and indigestion. They also contain tyramine, which can stimulate brain activity and delay sleep. Avoid tomato-based sauces and condiments before bed.