What You Should And Shouldn't Eat Before Bedtime

Craving a snack before you fall asleep? Better be careful, certain foods can actually hinder you sleep while others can improve it. We all heard that milk will help you sleep better, but did you ever wonder why? It is because milk and other dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, have tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that has been shown to help people feel drowsy and fall asleep. The same substance can be found in various other foods, such as seeds, bananas, honey, eggs, and certain cereals. Dairy products and foods high in carbohydrates both work well to stimulate sleep, which is why many common snacks include both, such as cereal and milk and any type of sandwich with cheese.

So what should you not eat when trying to sleep? Avoid foods high in fat because they can disrupt your digestive system, which leads to a less comfortable night sleep. Certain examples of foods high in fat are any type of fast foods, such as burgers and fries. It is also very important to not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages before you go to sleep. Caffeine will keep you awake, and while alcohol will help you sleep faster it will also cause you to wake up frequently and can cause headaches, night sweats, and nightmares. While it is okay to eat a little bit before you fall asleep, do not sleep on a full stomach. This can be uncomfortable and can cause your digestive system to slow down.